OOC: Hopefully this doesn't become too confusing...

Combine Headquarters Ground Floor

It had taken precious time, yet at last he had reached the shattered entrance to the Combine building, the glass which once served as part of the doorframe crumpled into a million tiny shards from the tremendous effects of Ricardos and the vans collision into it. He slowly lifted Riku up higher, onto his shoulders, and slowly walked through, his boots crunching upon the tiny pieces, a crackling sound being picked up from it. Riku was heavier then he expected, or maybe it was because he was more drained of fatigue then he had realised, either way he wasnt sure other then it was proving difficult and time consuming.

Cmon, body, move! he mentally commanded his body, yet it seemed as though there was little evident response. I need to do something to help the others!

Help? Another voice shot back from nowhere.

What? Hermess eyes widened wide in surprise and confusion. Who had said that?

You couldnt possibly hope to be able to help the others. Youre too weak you cant even help yourself! The voice replied from amongst an inky black darkness.

This didnt make sense. Who was that talking to him?

Shut up. Hermes flatly responded, his body exerting greater effort to finally get past all of the glass debris and so that, when he would put Riku safely down, she wouldnt be cut by any of the shards. I may not know who you are, but I wont listen to such words!

The fact that you are replying means you are listening, does it not? The voice replied. It was now that the voice was picking up credible tone. It was familiar, and yet tainted with a rotten, vile form of emotion within it. It was like a colour of rancid, evil green, yet why he could not say. And Im surprised you do not recognise me. Ha!

Hermes slowly crouched down, gently picking Riku off from his shoulder and onto the firm concrete ground below, a safe distance from the entrance. He would have moved her into the alley that Bucky (unconscious), Karya and Zephron were in would he have had the energy to do so, yet something seemed to almost force that back. He knew they were there, after all he had used his own ability, of sensing the aura of people, objects, matter to have known they were there. And yet, he could not move Riku to there.

His feet, almost subconsciously turned around, and his body began walking backwards, towards the scene of battle between Ricardo and Eckli. He certainly felt lighter, yet a greater weight was still upon him. But why would that be? He was no longer bearing the load of Riku.

Your own body is refusing, knowing that you are too weak to actually do anything to help them. Or could it be reluctance? They were once enemies. Either way, your body is informing you it does not want to help! The unwanted voice came back.

Rarh! Hermes shouted out, almost as if the inner voice gave him pain. The body the body might be strong, but it is only an extension with which to perform tasks. The true strength Hermes paused, breathing rapidly. His head looked up high, towards the ceiling. it comes from the mind!

There was an explosion yet not one physical. Whilst Eckli and Ricardos own battle was causing considerable damage to the ground floor, and shaking the entire building down to its foundations, Hermes himself experienced an explosion within his mind, as suddenly, the small perceptions he could see of the surrounding area and the matter of it suddenly consumed everything. For a short amount of time, his ability to see the aura of anything and everything had shot out from the small area around him to everything that was.

Never before had things seemed clearer. It was overwhelming! Hermes collapsed to his knees, as his mind struggled to keep up with everything that he could see, trying to achieve focus. The strain this was putting on his mind was too great!

And then, darkness. His aura ability had stopped working for the time being, and his mind was subject to the normal perceptions of the mind. An inky black darkness.

Ha haha heh ha! The mind is stronger, hmm? The disgusting voice came back. If thats so, why are you cowering like a dog? Your mind may have a great deal of potential, but your too weak to ever be able to accept it, to handle it! The body is not an extension of which to perform tasks; the mind is, giving reason to what your body must do!

He panted hard. Not only was Hermes having difficulty standing, coping with the lack of energy which had came as a result of that broad aura search, but he was also utterly sick of this voice. He wanted to know who it was, and he wanted the voice out. My allies are in danger Hermes called out.

Ah. So you managed to concentrate and identify your friends through all of that confusion you called a mind. The voice replied. Its true. The hamster has more energy and power then the pup, and will most probably, in time, win. So should you not try and save him, despite the fact that it is pointless or do you attempt to save the four others, who are even now about to most unfortunately run into an unexpected group of guards? The voice was now smug with the dilemma Hermes faced.

As it was, Hermes had sensed that, the direction that Taffy and the others were running in was going to lead them into another group of guards, and being as drained with energy as Taffy and the others were, their chance of survival was limited. And yet, with Eckli, it was true as well. He had swarming heaps of power, yet now, Ricardo appeared to have the unbelievable upper hand by still having more energy, due to his absorption of Rikus earlier assault.

He felt an obligation inside him to aid his allies, yet here and now he would only be able to help one factor out of the other. Taffys group or Eckli. Even then, though, a determined voice was trying to influence him not to bother at all!

Youre too weak to be able to stand a chance against the hamster, anyway the voice shot out again. And youd never be quick enough to reach the others. Meaning that, either way they will die. Involving yourself is suicide you, we have great potential to be the strongest fighter ever! But not now we would have to tap into that power, and we can only do if we live!

II dont care. Hermes spoke again to nothing material, but rather the voice only he could hear. I made a promise, to myself, to always help them no matter what. They are my allies.

Lies! They are your enemies! All Mobians are your enemies! They must die!

No... no. Hermes paused, his body swaggering from side to side as his energy continued to drain. There are good Mobians, just as there are bad. The same goes true for Overlanders, too. And even voices as well.

The pause continued, as nothing more was said from either occupant, the voice almost seeming expectant of Hermess continuation.

It is the evil ones, that must be defeated. Not the good. And these people I ally with are the good!

The voice didnt reply, and wouldnt do so for the imminent future. Instead, there was an odd and discomfort able silence as Hermess body recalibrated itself for where he was, and his mind wrapped itself around the situation. Taffy, Alex, Max and Lena were all in danger of an approaching guard squad, one they knew nothing about. And Eckli was in danger of the wild Ricardo.

He would never be able to reach Taffys group in time. He charged forwards, heading towards Ricardo, who was wrapped up in his battle with Eckli. Against the over powered hamster, it might have been suicide, but nonetheless. It was the right thing to do.

Hermes pulled out the scythe that was strapped to his back and held it firmly as he continued the charge. He pulled it back, readying for the long arc he would perform to slice Ricardo right in his back but the hamster was too powerful and overwhelming. Ricardo had noticed Hermes in the last moments, and his exceptional speed allowed him to easily dodge, and then, deal a devastating uppercut which propelled Hermes high through the air, and crashing through several higher floors, before he came to a rest back down on the ground floor.

His mind and body was swarmed with pain and agony, and he found himself unable to move as he laid down on the floor. He couldnt be sure, but it felt as if his jaw was broke in fact it was a miracle that it wasnt ripped off completely.

He felt drained, and couldnt do anything more. The voice was right then, Hermes wouldnt be able to help either Taffy and her group or Eckli, but regardless he felt satisfaction at the fact he tried, and attempted the right thing despite failure.

He only hoped now that he wouldnt die he had far too many things to do in this life remaining.

(OOC: SOrry all...I will try to make a decent post in the near future, but don't expect to hear from me this week. I do wanna continue with this myself, and I'll try to make a nice post....laterz)

OOC: Now or never?

IC:

Wraith gave Cipher a cold frown, whilst maintaining a firm grasp on the purple Chaos Emerald.

"Surely you have a pretty clear idea of what I'm made of by now?" the Cerulean hedgehog implied with a scoff.

"Promising..." Cipher replied, as he pushed a branch out of the way whilst keeping up the pace with the hedgehog "but I still managed to outwit you for a considerable amount of time. Imagine how much your next enemy would be able to do in that time, if he were to have the chance."

"I'm sure I won't meet someone vain enough to clone themselves that many times," Wraith smirked slightly.

"The feat of 'Illusions' and 'Trick of eye' isn't something to be taken lightly Wraith. Don't neglect your weaknesses and assume they won't come back," Cipher explained "if you comply with what I have to say and teach, you can't go wrong."

"I hope so," Wraith spoke almost instantly, never having looked away from him during his whole account. Roody the Chao also stared at him in a rather frosty manner the whole time.
Cipher, however, didn't let this intimidate or phase him.

"Well now, what's lesson one then? And can I have the action before philsophy?" Wraith half-smiled in a sarcastic manner. He stopped, as did Cipher at that moment, waiting for an answer. Cipher pursed his lips coarsely, before putting his hands on his hips and looking over the horizon, in place of 'sighing impatiently', which is how most people will have probably have reacted.

"Well... if you want to dismiss 'justification' from 'practise', and continue to be the semi-potential, wreckless 'Ultimate lifeform', may as well give up now." he said in a matter-of-fact tone, slowly turning his head away from the horizon and back to face Wraith.

"Okay, I'm sorry. Fire away, old man," Wraith said insincerely, but handed him the Chaos Emerald.

Roody watched intently as Cipher picked up the Chaos Emerald, frowning intensely, as if to expect the eye-patched mouse to dissappear within an instant.

Cipher took a moment to study every face and facet of the Chaos Emerald seemingly, covering his mouth with the other hand inquisitively.

"Take back the Emerald, and hold it out in front of you and focus on it- and not just your many reflections," Cipher said, looking back at the horizon as he simply handed the precious stone back to the hedgehog, who accepted it with a trace of puzzlement on his face.
Wraith looked at the Emerald. He frowned. As of yet, he saw nothing beyond his own reflections staring back at him, from each dimesion of the Emerald's configuration.

"Now tell me what it is your fear."

"Nothing."

"Nothing?" Cipher asked, a smirk on his face.

Wraith looked at him momentarily, the same cluttered logic boggling his mind, and apparent confusion through his expression, before recasting a glare back at the Emerald.

Suddenly, though, Wraith's eyes widened.
The next second, an electrical surge eminated and seemingly constricted his wrists in a split-second eletric shock motion. The incident stang like a thousand razor blades across his writsts. He found himself dropping the Emerald like vase which hit a nearby rock with a glassy clank.
Instantaneously, he dropped on his knees and clutched his head, in dire pain.

"Hey! What did you do?!" Roody asked angrily, pointing an accusing paw at Cipher.
Wraith continued to clutch his head- surpressing any cries. If he had any, he was very good at keeping them in!

Cipher simply stood there, taking his time as he retrieved the Emerald which remained unscathed by its fall against the nearby rock.
He knew what had happened. 'The Combine's' project hedgehog had seen his whole past before his eyes. And from his reaction, the mouse was able to decipher that it wasn't pretty.
Whereas Wraith seemed to have delluded himself into thinking that his turbulent and somewhat 'unfortunate' past had made him stronger, it had perhaps made him weaker in many other stances. Otherwise there would not have been such an adverse reaction.

Eventually Wraith gasped, followed by a coughing fit- as if he had nearly drowned in water. He hung his head and supported himself against the ground with his palms as well as his knees- as if to stop himself from passing out.

"Looks like we have a long way to go," Cipher sighed, looking out into space in an expressionless manner.
Shaking his head slightly, he paced over to drowsy cerulean hedgehog, and stood tall before him.

"Wraith! If you deny your fears, you will inevitably fall in all due time," Cipher more sternly "face them now!"

Wraith's eyes slowly moved towards Cipher, his ears lowered in both a weakened and angered manner.

"Just make sure the next move you show me won't kill me," Wraith said, uttering a growl.

OOC: Will try and update Caine, Susie and Eclipse at some stage. I do have an exam next week which I've been trying to learn for.

Ricardo laughed as he stood over Hermes's body, and he raised his arms up above his head, one hand clutching the crimson Chaos Emerald as the power aura flared around him in jubilation. The broken glass from the earlier van crash glimmered from the red light. "No one can stop me!" raved the hamster. "I'm unbeatable, I'm invincible, I'm-"

Eckli got up onto his feet and rammed into Ricardo from behind. "Leave my friends alone!" he growled as his aura intermingled with Ricardo's. In that brief moment, Ricardo could feel his own hatred, anger, regrets and loneliness being battered by the wolf pup's emotions, his love for his friends, his loyalty toward them, his desire to protect them. This had happened the entire battle, but Ricardo felt it more poignantly now as if a window had been opened into his mind...just as the red Chaos Emerald flew out of his hand, landing on the floor with an echoing ringing sound.

At once, Ricardo felt the energy flow out of him. The aura vanished. The incredible, unlimited power was gone. And he was knocked across the room with enough power to slide him across the floor, though he was already unconscious before he struck the opposite wall.

Eckli stumbled to the ground, the energy from the yellow Chaos Emerald now waning inside of him as his aura powered down. "I did it..." he said weakly, laying down near Hermes. He was barely conscious enough to hear the voices of Karya and Zephron as they came in and dragged him and Hermes out of the building, to the alleyway across the street where Bucky lay unconscious as well.

"Well, at least we got the second Emerald," Zephron said as he carefully held the two gemstones in his hands, using a cloth to avoid direct contact. "Now we just need to wait for the others to come out of there..."

"Poor Eck, he gave it everythin'...you're just lucky your plan worked out, Zeph."

"Lucky for all of us. I just hope the others are okay."

Karya turned, flexing her robotic arm before striding toward the building once again. "I'll make sure they're all right, Zeph. Stay here and watch over the others, I'm going in."

"Come to me, Slayer. I know you can hear this signal, it is being transmitted through the tracking device surgically implanted into you. You must come and meet me in my laboratory within the complex. I have to inform you of the secrets of your past before I am killed. I was involved in your creation...I am Garos."

Taffy led the way as Max, Lena and Alex ran after her through the hallways of the complex. They had left the duct system for the corridors they could move more quickly in, deciding that speed was more important now that they had determined there was nothing more for them in the building.

All we have to do is get out of here, that's all there is to it now, thought Taffy, aware that the pace they were setting was a strain on their already worn bodies. I've committed myself to this cause, and we've done our job here. We'll just have to trust that Eckli was able to stop that hamster, that we can take both Emeralds, maybe stop at Mrs. Diller's for a rest, and finally get out of this stupid city...what I can't figure out is why there were so many Mobians running around in a city that should be predominantly human. This "Combine" seems to be connected to everything going on in this city, and-

She and the others came around a corner, and she stopped short and her eyes widened in surprise as they rounded the corner. There, coming from the other end of the corridor, was another group of five business-suited agents, a mixed group of two humans and three Mobians. The agents all stopped as well, their guns coming out of hidden holsters but their bodies paralyzed by the unexpected arrival of the intruders they had been ordered after. Taffy felt waves of danger from them, waves that swelled and threatened to carry her mind away.

"Go back, go back!" shouted Taffy as she wheeled around, and she dove for cover around the corner with the others as the sound of gunfire reached her ears. She landed heavily on her front, and quickly scrambled up to her feet, turning to face the corner that was now the only thing between them and a fully-armed group of trained Combine agents.

"There's more of them, they've got us outnumbered, and outgunned," said Max with a grimace. "They'll be charging us soon too."

"What's the plan, Taffy?" asked Lena, her sword drawn in her hands, the look on her elfen face one filled with anxious anticipation.

"Plan?" asked Taffy with a surprised blink. The constant danger she had been sensing in this place, the strain of having to fight against near-impossible odds since they had come to this city, the pressure that was on her shoulders to fulfill the last hope of Mobius...it all collided with her mind at once, and something snapped.

"I'll tell you what our plan is," snarled Taffy as they could hear running footsteps in the tile-lined corridor echoing closer. "ATTACK!"

She threw all caution to the wind and whipped around the corner, running the now shortened distance to the group of agents who were caught off-guard by her sudden approach. She balled up her hands into fists and slammed them both into the gut of the closest human agent, then knocked her shoulder against his head. Her shoulder hurt from the rough ramming attack, and she stumbled back awkwardly. One of the other agents saw his opening and launched a kick that caught Taffy squarely on the jaw, knocking her back to the cold tile floor as the entire world felt like it was crumbling around her, a dull rumble sounding from the depths of the complex.

I'm an idiot, she thought as she landed on her back, her backpack absorbing some of the shock. Her senses had returned, but so ill-timed was it that she found herself at gunpoint. I've gotten us all killed.

She had thrown herself thoughtlessly into battle, managing to take down one of the agents, but four other well-prepared agents now faced her, and Taffy could only close her eyes now and hope that the others could save her stupid hide.

She had thrown herself thoughtlessly into battle, managing to take down one of the agents, but four other well-prepared agents now faced her, and Taffy could only close her eyes now and hope that the others could save her stupid hide.

Max cursed. Their fearless leader wasn't so bright. Then again, he couldn't say he was exactly smart for worrying about the witch himself. "Dang it, Taffy...." he'd mutter as he loaded his revolver. He was hurting all over. The fire balls had drained his energy, and being shot earlier did NOT help at all. His eyes narrowed as he jumped from the corner, bullet-time style. Aiming carefully at one more of them.

BAM! BAM! BAM! BAM! BAM! BAM! Click. All six shots gone, though he probally had done some damage to the two enemys that were in his harms way. He grinned, but then winced as he crashed to the ground- skidding to a good few feet near the Raccoon. He blinked at the 'coon.

"It's okay, fearless leader. I got some."

"But...I'm out of ammo now." he added.

And Im quickly running out, another voice from behind both Max and Taffy called out. It belonged to Alex, and as they turned their heads to look towards him, he had just shot another arrow over their heads that had landed in one of the armed gang members sides. It left one Mobian remaining, a porcupine, who was now staring dumbfounded at his defeated allies who lay on the ground. He was meant to be a professional, but the rapid manner in which his comrades had all been defeated was completely unexpected and surprising.

Yet, it wouldnt be enough time for Alex to reload one of his quickly decreasing supplies of arrows and shoot again. The porcupine had already raised his gun upwards again and now aimed it at Alex.

Again, he felt so helpless, faced by the cold hard barrel of a gun again, and so soon too. He had failed his friends once more and-

Before his thoughts could conclude, Lena had stepped out from the corner as well, and charged forwards, her Everblade drawn as the gap between her and the porcupine narrowed further and further. The porcupine initially hesitated, but then aimed it towards Lena instead, and pulled upon the trigger.

A clicking noise was its only production. The porcupine, confused, and quickly becoming scared, pressed the trigger a sequence of times again. Each time, a clicking response.

No more bullets.

No! The porcupine called out, before his chest was violently cut by a swing of Lenas Everblade. A thin trail of crimson shot out as the Porcupine fell backwards, and this red liquid collapsed by Lenas feet. It was a shallow wound, but one the porcupine would remember if he was ever able to get out of this building.

That was close. Alex said, retrieving his arrow from the man and reinserting into his quiver. We should make sure not to run out of ammo again like he did.

Alex paused, extending a hand to help Taffy up. Are you okay? I would have said that was a brave thing to do, but you would have said it was reckless, huh?

In an alleyway near the Combine headquarters

His eyes shot open, a sudden realization evident within his eyes. The man known as Hermes Carrion had come across a new and certainly unexpected emotion. For the better part of time then he could remember, he had been searching for concrete evidence, answers to what had happened to him in his past. He had flashes before, irregular and iridescent images which made little sense. He had, for a short while believed he had come across the truth to what had made him who he is now; the death of his wife, which shaped his path towards killing Mobians. He believed it a self-righteous justice.

This belief was shot and shaken when he had met Gavin. The Overlander child who nobly and was willing to sacrifice his life in order to protect a Mobian, Alex. He had passed on a teaching which Hermes found himself now living by; the fact that there were good and bad Mobians, good and bad Overlanders. The good should be protected, and the bad defeated. Knowing little else that he could do, he sought to protect this group, involving Gavin and the rabbit mobian. He had even come to believe that the memories of his wifes death may have been false.

He hadnt even conceived the truth of his strange past was remotely connected to this group, the Combine, which Taffys group had run into! That came as a result of that encounter with the mechanical being, Hunter, who left more questions then answers.

Yet now! Now could he possibly understand the truth?

I have to inform you of the secrets of your past before I am killed. I was involved in your creation... I am Garos.

Hermes closed his eyes, and using his quickly sapping strength, produced an aura search limited to the Combine headquarters. He could see everything within there, the guards, his allies (who had managed to defeat their own adversaries he was worried about earlier), and, although he couldnt be certain, something that looked suspiciously and quite possibly like the one who called him.

Garos.

He ended the search and stood up groggily. This surprised Zephron who hadnt expected it, and who jumped on the spot. Zephron looked to the appalling appearance of Hermes, and frowned.

You okay? You did good in there, that hamsters down now because of you and Eckli and- Zephron was interrupted by a voice from behind him.

No thanks for me, hmm? it belonged to Factor, the Echidna who had also fought into battle against Ricardo. His own efforts yielded not as remarkable results as Eckli, yet it was enough to help win the fight. Factor had also pulled Riku further from the entrance of the Combine base to the alleyway.

I have to go back. Hermes muttered. This surprised both Zephron and Factor, who turned to look to the Overlander credulously.

You cant be serious. Youre in no condition, the others will be out soon and we can boogie out of this city Zephron was beginning to speak.

No, times running out for the building and him. I have to speak to him before that happens. Hermes answered in response. He breathed a heavy sigh, he didnt have time to explain, he just had to do.

That buildings not going to last long. Go back in there, chances are youll die. Factor said, trying to impart reason to Hermes. To this, Hermes simply smiled.

You two wouldnt understand, but some of your other friends would probably prefer to see me dead anyway. When I first met them, we werent exactly on the best of terms. Hermes walked forwards, leaving the alleyway and moving back to the Combine building. Factor and Zephron had a confused expression on their faces, they didnt know what he meant. This was understandable, after all, they had not been there in the ancient ruined buildings deep within the forest when Carrion had decided to kill all the Mobians, but failed due to Lucent.

Hermes was quickly disappearing from site, and Zephron, sitting on top of a dumpster, looked to Factor. Dont you think we should stop him?

Nope. Hes doing something important, Im guessing. Something which only he can do. Factor said, leaning against the dirty wall. Best leave him to it.

Zephron frowned, unsure, and turned to look once more back to the entrance of the Combine building, but Hermes had already vanished from sight.

The fifth floor. Hermes entered through the corridor onto this landing, some time having already passed since he left Zephron and the others. He was getting closer to his destination, just about to turn round a corner when

some guards had come out of nowhere and surprised him! He hadnt had his aura sense activated, due to wishing to save some of his energy, but found that now would have been a good time to have had it. However, instead of a confrontation which he expected, he simply found a salute.

Welcome back, sir. One of the five spoke aloud. Our Boss gave us the command to meet you and lead you back to where he is waiting.

Hermes frowned, but found himself relenting. Time was of the essence, it was best to simply go forward now, instead of wasting time defeating these men, who were perhaps not bad, but misguided with which to perform this job. It was doubtful they truly knew what was happening, like him either.

Okay, lead on. Hermes responded.

The double doors which had written upon them the word LABORATORY sprung open, and passageway to the interior of the room was granted. Unsure of what to expect, Hermes was hesitant at first to enter. But he had little other recourse, and at last walked into the room, unaware of what was to happen next.

Relief washed over Taffy as the feeling of imminent danger vanished, and she could not help but smile as she reached up and took Alex's hand. "Maybe it was both," she replied as the rabbit helped her back up to her feet. "And maybe it's just what we needed this time."

Here he is again...just like last time with Lucent, thought Taffy as she looked at Alex's honest face. How does this keep happening?

The building shook around them again, and Taffy was likewise shaken out of her thoughts. "We'd better get rollin'," muttered Max as Lena helped pick him up off of the ground. "We've burned enough time with these thugs as it is."

"Right," said Taffy, turning toward the end of the corridor.

Before they got much farther, they saw Karya coming around the corner, and she beckoned to them with her cybernetic arm. "There you are! C'mon, no time to lose, this place could fall apart any second and there's a fire started in the east section!"

Taffy, Lena, Alex, Max, and Karya ran down the corridors, abandoning the building and following the very path that Karya had taken to get inside. It didn't take them long to get outside and to the alleyway where Zephron and Factor were waiting with the others who were unconscious.

Lena immediately went to the sides of the injured and began to heal them, but Taffy noticed that there was someone yet missing from their reunited troupe. "Zephron, where's-"

"Hermes went inside, said there was something he had to do," interrupted Factor, who was leaning against the side of the building with his back to the wall, his eyes closed. "Didn't say what."

"Should we wait for him?" asked Alex, and all eyes turned to Taffy.

It somehow struck Taffy as odd that they were still looking to her. She had just risked their lives going inside a place where they had nearly been killed on two separate occasions. So far, this whole prophecy to save the world thing hadn't been working out as she'd hoped. But she saw their resolve to keep going, and that steeled her own will.

"We wait," said Taffy. "If he isn't back before sundown, then we'll go."

Do I really want him back? He did help us back there against those thugs...but the look on his face when we first met...he tried to kill us back then. There's still the mystery of why he did that. Maybe I want him back so I can figure out what was behind all of this.

But she put aside her thoughts and assisted Lena in tending to everyone's wounds. There was no point in wasting time now.

"Funny thing is, you seem to keep avoiding getting hurt," growled Max as Taffy changed the bandage around his wounded shoulder.

"You say that like it's my fault," she shot back, though with a smirk on her face; even though she still didn't get along with Max, now it didn't feel quite so important to get mad at him for bickering.

Hermes walked into the laboratory. Smashed bottles and test tubes littering the floor of the large room. The stench of mixing chemicals reached his nostrils. The sterile white walls and cement floor were both utilitarian and unfeeling in their design.

And there, standing behind the desk at the other end of the room, was the form of a scientist. He was a tall man, with heavily-tanned skin, platinum-blonde hair, and wraparound shades that covered his eyes. His labcoat was a dusty white, covering a frame that looked no less unsturdy for the years of research he had surely engaged in.

"So you have arrived at last...Project Slayer," he said, his voice friendly, unmenacing, yet holding some trepidation at the sight of Hermes.

"Why are you calling me that? Just what is it that you have called me here for?" asked Hermes, stepping forward, his boots crunching glass underfoot.

"You are Project Slayer, part of the Combine's Special Operations division under Operation: Chaos," said Garos smoothly, his reflective shades hiding his eyes. "You were specially enhanced with a reflexive aura sense that allows you to detect energy at an instinctual, molecular level. Your training allows you the use of your unusual but impactful weapon, the scythe that you hold now. You are a living, walking weapon, both of vengeance and of the future of the Combine."

Hermes shook his head slowly, his grip tightening on the scythe's shaft in his hands. "But that makes no sense," he said, his brow wrinkling in confusion. "I was a normal man once, I remember! I had a job, hobbies, a wife!"

"Such as it should be. But your purpose requires you to let go of such memories, you surely did not have such skills and abilities on your own. How did you come into possession of such power if you had a 'normal' life?"

Hermes tried to answer, but now there was doubt where there had been certainty. That had been happening a lot lately.

"Unfortunately it appears that your conditioning is being broken towards Mobians," said the scientist, Garos, in a way that might have been sad had it not been so analytical. "Your hatred of them was most convenient for our purposes. But now the entire project is coming down around me, it seems. Yet there is still hope for you, my dear Slayer, Carrion. Go, travel with the ones you have befriended, follow their path to the Chaos Emeralds. Your skills will prove invaluable in the search, and you may yet fulfill your purpose and mission."

"What is my purpose? What was my mission? Speak plainly and tell me who I really am!"

"...It is, too late. The Warlord has ordered my death at my failure to capture the Chaos Emerald. Be warned, he still watches you through the tracking device in your-"

There was a crackle of energy, and something glowing red flashed through Garos's torso from behind. Hermes cursed, having been so distracted by the scientist that as Garos fell to one side, he only now could see the silver-shelled form of the robotic Hunter who had tried to kill them earlier that day. In its robotic hands was that crimson energy saber, and the two red dots for eyes glimmered balefully from the thin black glass line across its rounded face as it stepped around the desk to confront Hermes.

"Betrayer," it snapped at him. "My true Master has ordered the end to your project. You will comply."

OOC: Just in case there is any confusion about who is the Slayer and the Hunter, I did look back and we did have the robot as the predecessor to Hermes, and so technically the robot is actually the Slayer and Hermes is the Hunter. But Pach and I have talked and in a way it makes more sense for the robot to be the Hunter and Hermes the Slayer, so we're going to roll with that.

IC:
Deep within the forest, two figures trudged along, following a trail of footprints. Their wounds were bandaged, but their pride had been injured, and they were both feeling the need to get revenge.

"Stupid kids, stupid hedgehogs! They swept right out under our noses, thanks to those stupid wolves! It's as if the whole forest is cursed, I tell ya, cursed!" ranted Bean, who ran gloved fingers through his green headfeathers with nervous frustration. "We shoulda just headed to Danberg and blew up that place along with the freakin' Emerald and just tell that Warlord to go to-"

"Do you understand what has happened, Bean?"

Bean looked up at his taller compatriot, who was looking down at one of his hands. The red mitten had been chewed off by one of the savage wolves, leaving bare his hand to reveal that where his fingers should have been, only a single massive furry finger protruded, deformed and calloused. He had all the knuckles of a normal hand, but the flesh was all joined together.

"Wh-what're you sayin'?" said Bean nervously. His partner was perhaps one of the only people he was actually afraid of.

"We have been beaten," Bark said coldly. "We killed those wolves, but we allowed our targets to get away. And while we can attribute that to the hedgehog target whose powers were far more than what we had been told to anticipate, and who possesses one of the Chaos Emeralds, we must also accept that Susie's luck and her strange poet friend have gotten away from us through their own cleverness."

Bean was dumbfounded; he had never heard Bark speak so much in a long time!

"And you realize what it would do to our reputation if we did not capture at least one of those hedgehogs and return to our current employer with him," continued Bark. "We would be made a laughingstock. And do you see much of a future for two bounty hunters who rely on reputation to be feared, to be hired? You know I've lived my life as a killer from the start. My hands, birth defects, are useless for much else besides murder."

The massive polar bear clenched his fists. "We must take back our honor, Bean. We will make sure those children know what pain and terror are, and then we will kill them. Susie's luck will finally run out."

Bean nodded, rubbing his hands together. "Now you're talkin', Bark ol' pal! We'll show 'em who's boss!"

"Yes, we will," said Bark, regaining his soulful monotone. "And these hands will not rest until they are stained with the blood of those children."

Hermes eyes widened in shock at the sudden and unexpected arrival of Hunter, the mysterious robotic being of whom he and the group he allied with earlier had fought. It wasnt just surprise through the beings sudden arrival, but also shock that the only person who appeared to have any knowledge about Hermes true purpose, of his values and what his past really was, was nothing more then a dead body lunched over his desk. From the wound that had granted him death poured smoke, a reminder of the searing pain and energy that had been stabbed into him.

This, this wasnt what he desired, not now. He had always expected a confrontation, but still, it was one he didnt wish to participate in. Especially given his current weary, battered condition in part due to Ricardo, and the fact that he would be fighting this person. This ambiguous robotic being. He had struggled against him before, and had only barely had a hope of a chance once allied with Riku, Karya and Eckli as well.

But, now, no help was to be found from any quarter. No source of salvation, other then what he had to make. But, before he could even think of a strategy with which to start against Hunter, the being shifted and charged forwards.

In a blink of an eye, Hunter was upon him. The bright red light from the crimson sabre he held shot downwards in a long arc that gave Hermes only a minimal amount of time to dodge. He had just stepped backwards out of the way, and fortunately from that tripped over his own feet, falling backwards onto the ground. This was only fortunate in that Hunters follow up attack narrowly grazed his head; and if Hermes was an inch higher then he was now, his head would have been lopped off. Thankfully, all that was now parted from Hermes was a few strands of hair, but what was left was cinched.

Ugh! he grunted as his back collided against the cold, hard floor. Hunter was pressing the attack forwards and forwards, unrelenting and giving no time for Hermes to catch his breath. The crimson sabre was whirled around the silver robotics figures fingertips and then plunged straight downwards towards Hermes head once more.

Hermes, through reaction only again, pushed himself forwards and through the gap offered in between Hunters legs. The energy sabre instead plunged into the ground, burning a hole through the metal. Hermes had been only lucky so far or had he?

In truth, Hermes had been using his aura capability, the one Garos had mentioned as being specially enhanced, to sense the energy of the blade and its coming attacks. He was unable to sense Hunter properly, instead only receiving some form of weird interference (he could sense the energy of the air around Hunter, leaving an impression of him, but specific details were impossible). He surmised it must have been because Hunter was a robot, but that didnt seem satisfactory enough. Knowing Garos and his allies, there was probably something more to it. What though, he would be unable to identify since his only source of information was dead.

I need some breathing space! Hermes thought to himself, running away from the robotic being behind him, and jumping over a metal cabinet that stored amounts of chemicals. He kept running, telling himself he couldnt afford to believe that the small amount of cover there would save him, but he couldnt identify what he could do to stop his opponent.

He pulled out his scythe from behind him and held it in his two hands as he continued running away to put space inbetween them. The scythe was more then just an impact weapon, it had symbolical significance. Before, he had used it, as a tool to avenge his wife, but also because of the myths surrounding it and death. He couldnt just believe he wielded it because it was an impact weapon.

Ragh! Why did you kill him?! Hermes shouted out, his frustration being released in one gigantic burst. Garos was dead, and so was a lot of possible answers.

Hunter calmly walked forwards, towards Hermes at a steady pace, the crimson blade crackling with energy and sending sparks within the air. My master ordered it, and I complied. It droned.

Who?! Whos your master?! Hermes shouted, finally stopping from running and skidding to a halt, turning around to face the robot.

Hunter did not reply. Instead, he methodically raised up his right hand, pointing towards Hermes. Hermes eyes widened in shock, he had seen this attack before! Seconds later, silver blasts poured from a barrel escaping the palm of Hunters hand. Dodging to the right, the silver blasts caught and destroyed the test tubes left aimlessly upon the desk, smashing the glass and sending its contents onto the floor. Hiding behind the small metal protection, Hermes was only grateful that the weak metal protection was still enough to withstand the silvery blasts. However, they left huge impressions on it, and if it continued, his protection would have been destroyed.

The attack momentarily stopped. Hermes aimed to take this opportunity to jump over the desk and strike at Hunter, however a sharp, red, painful beam of energy shot through the desk and pierced Hermes back, going through his shoulder! The robot was simply too fast

Eee~~yarggggh! Hermes screamed in agony, and fell forwards, the red energy beam re-exiting the wound, as Hunter pulled it back out to him. Hermes was crouched down, facing the floor, his right hand covering the wound to his left shoulder.

weak. The drone spoke out.

On pure adrenaline, Hermes swiftly turned around, and with all the strength he could muster, slammed the scythe into Hunters neck! This surprised the robot, and a series of sparks emanated from the wound. But, Hunters armour plating was incredibly resistant, and as such the scythe had barely impaled him. Still, it was damage, and this raised Hermes hopes up. There was still a possibility of winning!

Hunter ignored the damage and swiftly brought his leg up, cracking at Hermes chin and sending him reeling backwards. He crashed into another desk upholding test tubes and bottles, and sent forth these crashing into the ground. Hermes laid still, breathing heavily, his head hung low, trying his best to summon any ounce of strength that could be available to him, but finding little to answer his desperate desires.
no! Im not finished yet theres still too much for me to do! Hermes thoughts cried out. Please!

Hunter stood before the wounded and slowly weeping man, his cold exterior betraying no emotion, other then disgust at how this person could behave in such a manner.

Accept your death with dignity, organic trash. It hissed.

Hermes grit his teeth for the eventual end, he could see no other course for escape, or victory against such a tyrannical opponent. He was so weak, and so, so tired. He knew he had to go on, but there was nothing left to aid him in doing so. His eyes, blurred, looked down to the ground next to him, searching for an exit. What he found instead, was an un-shattered test tube filled with a bright lime coloured liquid.

He reached out, picked it up, and then threw it forwards at Hunters face! It came into contact, and whether it was merely surprise, or something more within the chemical itself, Hunter retreated backwards, and it was there Hermes saw a potential means of beating his adversary.

This was a laboratory, and this building was also barely standing up still. He was going to bring the whole building down, crashing upon Hunters head!

Hermes ran past Hunter, cupping his wound. He then, mid-running, knelt down and picked up the scythe he had dropped because of Hunters last attack, and then reached a metal cabinet filled with undamaged chemicals and test-tubes. Strapping the scythe to his back once more, he knelt down, and summoning the last vestiges of his strength, picked up the cabinet. Slowly, slowly, he lifted it up higher and higher, before finally it was above his head! Every second, it felt like the weight and pressure would overbear him and send him crashing to the ground, but he persevered.

Persistent fool, Hunter observed, as he wiped away the last vestiges of the chemical from his face. It is time for you to die!

Hermes threw the cabinet towards Hunter, praying that the robotic being would do just as he anticipated. And Hunter complied. Seeking to protect himself, he sliced his blade through the cabinet in order to cut it into two halves that would pass him by, yet this was not the reaction that took place. The energy from the blade intermingled with the strange, volatile chemicals hidden within the cabinet, and instead it exploded!

A small firebomb consumed Hunters body, and vestiges of small, burning remains rained upon the rest of the room, creating small fires here and there. Several more explosions rocketed the room as these flames met with the other chemicals.

Shields 54%. Hunter beamed. His eyes shone through the smoke that surrounded his body, and Hermes could sense the energy aura surrounding Hunter, the shields that protected him. Hermes cursed that he remained physically unscathed by the blast, but nonetheless

The room was on fire, and as several more of the reactions between the fire and the chemicals ignited within the laboratory, not only was it evident that this rooms time was numbered, but so was the entire building.

(OOC: Terg, just so you know. The whole Predecessor comment I did with Hunter was a misinterpetation of my knowledge of vocabulary. I actually meant Sucessor, but yeah. Now lets see if I can do a decent battle post. Oh and FYI, Terg. Hunter's design has no bleeping dots for eyes. Its just a black line. Heh. =P)

The room was on fire, and as several more of the reactions between the fire and the chemicals ignited within the laboratory, not only was it evident that this rooms time was numbered, but so was the entire building.

"Clever." it retorted, motioning to Hermes previous ploy with the cabinent. "...but it won't help you nonetheless." it would of smirked- if it had a mouth at such a comment.

Its emotionless visor, was just as intimidating as its words. It showed that- it was truly emotionless. A true machine. For something so advanced, you would think it had much more to it.

It twirled its blade as it charged at Hermes, at top speed with a mirky grin. As it slashed- meaning to cut Hermes in half, Hermes quickily reacted. Ducking to avoid the deadly blow.

Hunter turned, analyzing the situation. It looked down to Hermes. But before anything could happen- parts of the ceiling began to fall.

"Enviroment damage....estimated 75%..." it droned.

But it was not going to back down because something so feable as the enviroment being damaged.

Environment damage....estimated 75%... The robotic being before him had droned. At first, it took Hermes a while to understand just what Hunter was actually referring to, until he at last understood. It was the building itself, as evidenced by an ominous and frightening rumble that affected the entire building. It seems that the toll of damage waged by Ricardo and Ecklis fight, the battle between Taffy and the others encounter with the various guards, and finally, Hermes and Hunters own conflict, and the rising fire, was too much.

Hermes darted backwards, trying to gain space inbetween them. On reflex, Hunter once again swung his blade in a long arc, narrowly missing Hermes fatally. But the energy itself burnt Hermes left cheek, the skin bubbling and fizzing as steam poured from it. Despite Hermes fatigue, and almost incapability to summon the energy to do so, he screamed in agony.

He was grateful it wasnt either of his eyes, but still, was angered at the hit. He darted around the corner of a blazing desk, and despite the damage that was mustering towards himself, just barely managed to kick the desk forwards, blocking the path between himself and Hunter further. A grunt almost seemed to escape Hunters audio sensors, as Hunter used his free hand to pick the desk up and throw it to the side, discarding it out of the way.

Hunters own arrogance came with a startling surprise, however. It collided with a support column for the room, and the weakened column itself gave way and collapsed into small specks of inconsequential dust. And with it, gave a very deep and heavy rumbling, proving to both combatants that maybe, for the building itself, it was the final straw.

The ceiling ahead of them cracked, a thin line extending across the width of it. Small pieces of rubble began to fall down, collecting upon the weak laboratory floor. It would almost seem as though the building itself had a soul, and was now destroyed. It wanted payback and revenge, and at the very least, if it was to collapse, so too would it consume both Hermes and Hunter and bring the pair of them down too.

Suddenly, a large section of the ceiling came down, and landed with a great thump on the laboratory floor, shaking it and the setting of a chain reaction of cracks upon it. In motion, it appeared that the collapse of one floor would set off the other, although at this increasing speed and rate the building would be decimated in a matter of minutes.

Hnn. Environment damage increased to 90%... Hunter observed, his head swivelling around upon his body to inspect the falling ceiling and the cracking and departing parts of the floor itself.

Hermes himself faintly smiled. This situation was desperate, there almost seemed to be no way out of it whatsoever. At the very least, however, thankfully this robotic monstrosity would die as well.

Energy Shields raised to 100%. Hunter added. Hermes couldnt believe it! It appeared Hunter himself couldnt believe that he would be able to escape this death trap, so at the very least he was preparing as best as he could to survive it, which seemed likely enough!

His smile quickly faded from his lips, all hope seemingly lost. It looked at last as if everything was over

The laboratory floor finally gave way completely and collapsed to the lower form, smoke and dust ushering up from the escalating destruction, and following it, the upper floors at long last collapsed with it. With a loud bang from the crashing floors from above, down to the floors below it, the remaining floors, and the building itself collapsed and crashed completely down to the ground. The event threw out a loud bang, and subsequent explosions as the fires touched the gas pipes. The entire city of Danberg rocked with the falling of the secret Combine headquarters.

I dont believe it was all the words that could come from Zephrons shocked and exclaimed face from the incredible display before him. The group were fortunate enough to barely be out of harms way, the loud crashing and bright explosions shocking their senses. When everything came to, they found the once giant building, which they had all actually been inside, moments ago, was now nothing but rubble and burning fire.

Well ahll be we were lucky ta have gotten out of there! Karya exclaimed, her eyes widened in shock.

We were, but Hermes wasnt. Taffy interjected, reminding everyone of the man, the sole reason why they were still here.

You kidding? Max spat out. If anything, we should be lucky he was still in there! He almost killed us all, remember? Those who had bore witness to the first encounter with Carrion, and Alex himself who had narrowly survived a confrontation with him through Gavins selfless demonstration to protect his Mobian friends, had all came to a shocking realization and remembrance of this. The same panic and fear they had experienced then had all came rushing back.

Yeah, but he seems different now, doesnt he? He helped us, and without him we wouldnt have ever survived against that robot! Taffy interjected. After she had suddenly spoken, she realized what it was she said, and was surprised at it too.

When we thought the robot earlier, he was intentionally speaking ta Hermes, Taffy added, being the only other conscious person to have fought him. Perhaps Hermes actually drove that robot to fight us in tha first place.

This brought an eerie silence among the group.

He slowly opened his eyes, and was greeted by the cold, unwelcoming glare of darkness. Nothing but blackness. Was this it? Had he died? He wasnt sure, after all, if he was, would he still be able to feel the wounds and fatique running throughout his body? Would the burn on his cheek, the gaping hole through his shoulder still register the pain that they did?

If they didnt, and that meant if he was alive what then? Where was? Was he to die slowly? He wasnt sure, he couldnt feel much more pain that wasnt there before. The wounds across the front of his body felt normal. It was slow, dawning realization that he couldnt feel his back at all, and that everything was numb!

What is this?! he shouted, and with the cry, a fraction of dust fell down into his mouth, resulting in a sputter and cough. He wasnt dead then.

Calm down calm down calm down calm down calm down calm down calm down calm down GOT TO KEEP CALM! his mind shouted out, and at last, Hermes took a slow, deep and steady breath.

He closed his eyes. At least, he thought he had closed his eyes, there was no difference vision-wise. He concentrated, and concentrated. Searching for something within him, that little something, something that was left, that wasnt drained!

A drip of water. A resulting splash. At least, thatd what it felt like in the darkness. What it really was who could say?

It came from his chest. A small burst of energy that travelled through his sensory nerves, shooting at an unrivalled speed to his brain. And then, although it would still have been darkness, Hermes could see his surroundings in his minds eye and himself as well. He was entrapped, it seemed fortune had paid off! As he fell, he managed to land in a gaping within the falling rock, which produced a small enough cave to not crush him!

He would have considered himself lucky had he also not been made aware of another factor. His spine his back it was practically crushed. He would be unable to move his legs! How long he would able to stay in this tomb was uncertain. He had no strength to escape. He doubt hed be able to recuperate his strength before the rocks on top of him finally collapsed under overbearing weight and finished crushing him.

He had been saved, yet this could quite easily proven to only have been momentarily, and a far more worse fate would befall him.

Hunter began to spazz. His shields lowering to 50% and then 25% and then 5% and then Zero. It then began to take the full effect of the buildings destruction. "Escape...must imminate plan....Not possible. Must ensure survival at maximal cost. Initiating....Plan 45." it droned weakily. It though, a strong "hunter" it was not capable of dealing with a collapse. Then Plan 45 was initated and a large energy blast engulfed the area around him. Going wide and covering Hermes. Anyone below the energy blast if you could call it that was going to be safe from what it would do. Though this in truth, would drain Hunter to a peak. And cause him to Shut Down.

Anything above the energy began to shake, wobble, and start to smell. Tempeture going to a high octave. And soon causing it to... disenagrate. Hermes would of not have believe this sight- but he like Hunter were buried under the weight of the building, but that would change here and now. And when the effect finished, it would of been spectacular even from afar. As a loud crackling noise filled the air signifying the effects completion. Hunter then began to shake.

"Emergency System Shut Down.... must... activate...to insure surviva-surviva-survival....." following that final message Hunter fell limp aganist the rubble the blast didn't touch. Like a Toaster at a City Dump....laying there.

His "sword" fell down at his side. It then unignited.

OOC:
Hello there everyone. I would like to take this time to formally apologise to every roleplayer who took part in this adventure, for my long and unexplained absense.

I assure you that my absense has been within good reason, and not purely a disappearance for the sake of quitting a roleplau without explaining myself.

This year is my final year of highschool, and as such it is proving to be an arduous, almost perilous adventure in it's own right. The homework is plentiful, demanding and tedious, often tkaing up most of my afternoons and evenings and even having me work almost non-stop some weekends.

Updating roleplays has become somewhat of an extra task, despite being a fun recreational activity, i tend to take part in roleplays that drift away from the fast, small-post abundant roleplays that seem to heavily populate our board, instead opting for the ones that tend to have posters submitting 'lord of the rings'-esque posts in length, i simply enjoy writing and reading posts made in this heavily descriptive style.

Because of my aforementioned problems, i have left a lot of roleplays and am now taking part in one other one aside from this one, 'Rise and Fall', which has now reached 28 pages, and is still going strong. It is one of those roleplays that i feel i have a strong foothold in, and i feel as if i have reallly improved my writing and roleplaying skills within that one as well as this one, in fact these two roleplays are basically the ones that taught me the most.

Updating that one roleplay alone takes time, a resource that i cannot divide well amongst too many tasks. Thus, i feel that although i would have liked to participate within this roleplay further, i am feeling more and more inclined to let it go and focus on just 'Rise and Fall', perhaps joining other roleplays if i feel confident in the future and manage to get myself into a more negotiable system, heck i haven't even been able to take some time to read the updates with this roleplay!

I just feel that not having posted so long within this roleplay, and most likely not being able to post until much later on, isn't fair to those that are still taking part, i dislike the knowledge that people are waiting on me for something when i know that i cannot possibly deliver. In short, i do not want to take part anymore because it will probably mean a lot of empty promises on my behalf due to time constraints.

I'm sory that i have to leave this roleplay, i really did enjoy it, and i really did learn a lot from taking part and observing all of the wonderful rolepalyers we had.

Thankyou for taking your time to read my explanation, and thankyou for your understanding.

OOC: Awww, James. Can't we pull your leg and persuade you otherwise?

I want to revive this .___.

Anyone else up for it?

After all that's happened in the RP, I can't help but feel regretful that the story is going to be left stalled... and die?

It has been positively hard for me without home net admittedly. But I've taken action. Engineer is coming round in a fortnight and I should be able to get dial up for starters. Then broadband after?

Pls someone respond. Thank you.

OOC: Of course, there should be absolutely no question whether or not I want to continue, given circumstances. I'm pretty sure Tergo and Mike would up to continue, but don't quote me. XP

This is the RP where I've shown such considerable growth and has emersed me so completely... otherwise I wouldn't be doing that comic adaption.

Hopefully the others want to continue, maybe even Torn. I've seen him on Eliteboard and it would be easy to message him and ask him, but it depends on other support first?

OOC: Good stuff! I agree with what you've said about the RP. It was your comic that triggered me to remember how spectacular the RP actually is.

Fingers crossed the others will come back then?

OOC: I would return, of course- even with my limited time. But, this is one of my favorite RPs and I'd like to complete one day. Wether a month, or decade from now.

OOC: Count me in. It's funny, this is actually a fairly easy place to continue picking up the RP from, yet we managed to get stuck here of all places. But I feel confident that once we put our minds to this sucker again, we'll be able to keep on trucking with the wonderfully developed story thus far.

I mean, I know that I'm curious about how this is all gonna turn out. We have characters who have shown a surprising amount of grit and development, a story of epic proportions that all started from a chance meeting in the middle of the woods, and a series of villains who have yet to fully reveal themselves. Mix in some random romance (or at least romantic implications), some high-powered battles and adventure, some Chaos Emeralds treated appropriately (of which there are currently 4 still left to actually find, though we are fairly sure about the location of one of those remaining 4), and you've got the makings of a grand epic.

So yeah, I'm around. Does anyone feel a burning urge to start off the next post? This feels like this is the start of a new chapter in a way.

Okay, i'm real sorry to be double-posting... but i just re-read parts of the roleplay and read everything up to date and... wow! There are so many developments here that i never had the time to read, really this would be so much fun to continue, i really didn't know what i was leaving behind!

Best part is, as exciting as everybody's ideas are to me, i also have some ideas of my own i'd like to contribute... some nice little twists. i'll have to talk to some people to get some approvals and collaborations going though.

It's current;y 4:41AM over here, but i just couldn't stop reading all the roleplay that i've missed, it was all just too fantastic!

Looking forward to getting back into the swing of things, expect a post from me soon!

(OOC: Wow...I haven't been in here for a while. Kinda feels good to be back. ^^ So sorry I've just abandoned everyone like that...I guess after we lost all those posts my inspiration went downhill, and I went into a rut. I can't really explain the real reason for my long absence since I can't really find one.

Recently my 13-year old dog died, and I've had to adjust to that. I grew up with him. I won't go into a long dramatic epic like I did in my dA journal, but I will say that currently my family is taking care of another dog named Vegas that we might possibly adopt. So my hands are a little full.

Between that and school, I might not have many good chances to get on for long periods, and I won't be able to devote my full attention to the RPG at the mo. In a few weeks though, I'm sure everthing will ease up slightly. I just want you all to know that I am up for continuing this; I need to read over what I've missed, but otherwise I'm willing.

Just wanted to let you all know. Miss you lots. ^^)

OOC: I have an idea for a first post - starting off with a journal entry from Taffy's point of view, reviewing what's happened so far, and then another look into the Combine's strategy-planning meeting. The journal entry especially feels like a good way to start a new chapter of this story.

My problem? I don't know what all of the characters are going to do just yet in terms of coming along, attitude, etc. I know a few things that people have mentioned to me, like how Pach wants Hermes to be paralyzed from the waist down and such, but I want to get more input from everyone first. I'd like to just go ahead and get it done, but I also feel it wouldn't be fair to set up for the next scenario without figuring out what everyone wants to do with their characters.

Also, while James has suggested something we could use for the next location/villain scenario, I'm interested in seeing if anyone had any major ideas or thoughts for the next Emerald location.

OOC: Fantastic! This is awesome ">

It's great to have you back James! When I read you were back in, I actually really wanted to write a post straight away. But then I had other commitments X(. But welcome back! I'm ectstatic!

SL, sorry about your dog. Having grown up with dogs all my life (German shepherds all the time, but hey Rintintin), I know what it's like to lose them. My sympathies.

I'll take care of Wraith's scene. Bucky I think is still out of it, right? And what else... I could do Caine, Eclipse and Susie but I'm not sure whether James wanted to take care of that. Maybe I will do something...

Well, I've never felt as if you have done anything unjust in terms of moving things along Tergonaut. But I can see where you're coming from in terms of people's consent e.t.c In addition, it really is a mission to know how other people's characters would react.

Happy May day for tmrw. Will try and come back with a post now.

OOC: Yeah, sorry I didn't express my sympathies earlier, SL. My family has had a number of pets over the years, and we've had our current cats for over ten years now, so I can only imagine the loss of such a faithful friend.

I think what I'm going to do is just write up the post and try to move ahead with things. I don't want to slow things up by wanting everyone to reply to me about what is happening with their characters, nor do I want to interfere with anyone else's posting ideas. But what I propose to do is just go ahead and write the post with the information that I have now, and if anyone feels there needs to be corrections, I'll be glad to edit the journal entry so we can have a more consistent storyline. Does that sound fair?

And I also think we'll go ahead with the villain idea that James mentioned to me in PM, so I'll use that information to write up the next post and hopefully get that up in the next few days. If anyone has any other villain ideas for later on or scenarios they want to do, it certainly may be a good idea for us to collaborate on them, since we don't have that many Emeralds left to collect.

Okay, so that's what I'm planning on; if anyone feels I should change my plan or anything, please speak up and we'll get this ready to go. I want to get started before we lose our renewed excitement. I'm expecting that maybe some time has passed since the last part (like a night or something), so everyone will be healed up from the events insofar as Torn is able to use her healing abilities (don't worry Pach, not forgetting what you want done with Hermes for now). That way we don't have to wait like, another IC week or so at the minimum to continue the epic quest.

IC:

Forest

Cipher and Wraith had been walking through the forests for quite a long time with Roody flying along after them- in silence, given Wraith's antisocial personality, Roody's mimicking towards his 'superior', and Cipher's reserved and calm notion.

"So..." Wraith finally spoke up, smashing a branch out of the way with a mere grip and strangle with one fist.
Cipher in turn, slowly turned his attention towards the cerulean hedgehog.

"You seem to know a lot about me old man. But it's dawned upon me I don't know much about you at all. Care to explain why you like to come across as bewildering?" Wraith asked, giving him a quizical look.

"I didn't think the Ultimate lifeform was interested in small talk and conversations," Cipher replied.

"I'm not," Wraith replied curtly "I like to know who I am dealing with at the end of the day. Espicially with an enigma of a character that shows up in the middle of my game, wields a few pet tricks and claims that he can teach me more than I could have ever... anticipated?" the hedgehog frowned.

"Yeah, what if this is all just some stoopid joke?" Roody butted in.

"Wow. I never anticipated that the Combine would want to create a specimen that could talk so much..." Cipher remarked with a perplexed expression.

"Forget about me!... and answer my question." Wraith said coarsely as he grabbed Cipher by the shoulder and spun him around "what do you hope to get out of all this?!"

"I believe I explained myself quite clearly beforehand, Wraith," Cipher said sternly as he removed Wraith's grip off of his shoulder "just comply with what I have to say and we'll both get what we want."

Wraith stifled a laugh, before turning and picking up his pace again.

"There are a number of ways to express what we want..." Wraith explained "but somehow the way you just said that didn't sound very noble or honourable. I really am beginning to question your motives, mouse. But it's okay. For now, you don't have to tell me. Soon enough, I'll work it out."

Cipher ignored him. All this time his expression unreadable. Wraith was undeniably frustrated, but tried not to let it show.

"Hey wait!" Roody exclaimed, flying in front of Cipher and Wraith "Wraith, do you remember what that weasel boy said about the next Chaos Emerald being with some creature?"

"The next nearest Chaos Emerald is being protected by an ice dragon, who lives within a glacier valley beyond the mountains about sixty miles from here," announced Cipher, catching a surprised expression from Wraith and Roody.

"You! Why didn't you tell me this earlier!?" the hedgehog growled, towering over Cipher with clenched fists.

"I didn't think you would be ready to take on such a fierce reptile," Cipher explained "furthermore, you never asked, did you?"

"Take me there now old man!"

"Yeah! It's just a dumb dragon, you old fool!" Roody sniped.

"Yes, an old fool but a wise fool as you will," Cipher said indignantly "come on, 'kids', do you think that getting near, let alone defeating this dragon is child's play? I know not one person that has voyaged to see this fellow and lived to tell the experience."

"He has a Chaos Emerald. That's all that matters. Or have you forgotten why you're here, backing your enemy in the first place?" Wraith demanded, his open palms out in vexation.

______________

Elsewhere

OOC: I'm pretty sure someone showed up to warn Caine, Eclipse and Susie about Cipher. I cannot find the post to save my life. I'm going to make some assumptions based on what I remember but if I'm wrong, a little help pls? =)

IC:

Elsewhere

"That's true..." Caine sighed "it's a pity. I've never heard a story with a happy ending before..."

Susie's ears perked up, as she cast her gaze upon the smaller hedgehog.

"You're very young to be so sad, if you don't mind me saying so," she said "you should try smiling more often."

"But what is there to smile about?" Caine sighed, glancing at Eclipse and Susie on in turn continueously "my life has been one big runaway. That story I just told you was sad. And mine has been nothing but sad until now. Maybe there is some happiness somewhere in my past- but I doubt it. The only person I know who knew about my past was Wraith. But he seems too angry to talk to. And now that I have run away from him, he'll want to kill me next time I see him. Now I'll never know anything..." he sighed.

"Hey, come on, I think getting you away from that 'angry pincushion'..." Eclipse began, but stopped in surprise as he felt a light slap across the back of his head.

It was Susie, with an unimpressed expression on her face. At first, Eclipse was confused, until Susie mouthed 'pincushion'.

"I mean... er... 'angry hedgehog'! Yeah, that's it!" Eclipse corrected himself appropriately "I think it's good you're not around him anymore. Don't forget the time he fought me like that in the wheatfield... he's bad news, and dangerous." Eclipse grimaced slightly.

"But how will I ever know anything? I'd rather know the truth now and die shortly after, rather than live my life running away and not knowing anything..." Caine said, shutting his eyes resentfully as all this dawned upon him just after he spoke.

"Don't speak like that..." Eclipse reassured him, momentarily looking at Susie as if he wanted some backup, but then decided he'd try and persuade the hedgehog otherwise "look, I know everything looks hazy and uncertain right now..."

"But right now, we gotta find that poor tree!" Susie said.

Caine frowned, somewhat confused, before he suddenly remembered the riddle that the group were out to solve.

"What Susie means is, if we dwell in our own sorrows and regrets, we won't get anywhere," Eclipse resumed "after all, try as we might, we can't change the past. But what we can do is try and make the best use of the time that is given to us now, and perhaps find some answers in the meantime. And I promise you, I'll be here as long as you need until you find those answers."

Caine forced a smile, and mouthed a 'thank you'- before turning his head straight ahead with a slightly more positive outlook.

"As it is though, we definately need to hurry. I think our world is at stake..."

Susie turned around, giving Eclipse a confused look.

"What? What's wrong with our world?" she asked.

"Shh... wait!" Caine interrupted, motioning for Eclipse and Susie to come forwards a bit.

"Over there," Caine expressed, pointing beyond the foliage of leaves... towards an open, but dead and almost desertly type of place smack bang in the middle of the forest. There was a haunting group of trees, with claw-like branches which shaded the area. Photons of light sifted through the branches upon a dry patch of sand. Within the sand, a buried skull could be seen with a half sunken limb, namely an arm.

Susie almost gasped at the sight of the skeleton, wondering who it was that died here.

She wrinkled her nose, before her eyes suddenly opened widely.

"Eeee..." she began, but found her cry muffled as Eclipse's hand covered her mouth.

"Sorry," she grinned sheepishly as Eclipse removed his hand.

Caine still gazed around the area attentively, before his expression suddenly became inquisitive as he pointed out a lone tree that stodd out from the other 'dead' ones, as it were.

"There's that stag. I think," he said.

"Should we say 'hi' to it?" Susie asked back in a whisper.

"Do you think it can talk?" Eclipse asked, tilting his head with a confused expression.

"If it's the stag to do with the riddle, then it should be able to," Caine said enthuastically "come on!"

As the group of three descended from the ledge upon which they had been observing the scene, they carefully approached the stag, creeping near it so as to not scare it away so suddenly.

The stag, indeed, appeared to be in a sorrowful state- with its head down as it mourned in its own misary and regret beside the tree- unaware of the world around him.

"Hi there Mr. 'Stag', what are you doing?" Susie asked casually.

The Stag looked up- it's face drawn and its eyes sunken and void of life. One could have pressumed that he once had sparkling saphire coloured eyes. But now they appeared to be a murky and washed out blue and green colour.

The stag in addition might have reacted adversely to tresspassers, unwelcome company or perhaps out of fear for the sudden appearance of these young individuals.

It got up wearily, slightly buckling at the knees, but determined to maintain his stance.

"I've been here for years," it spoke, worn out but with a will of iron "trying to draw out the poisonous monument that has been inflicting and slow death upon my maiden for years..."

As he stepped a aside, Eclipse, Caine and Susie were able to make out a sword that was indeed deeply embedded with the bark of the tree, causing rivets of blood to be drawn and for it to flow from the tree, into the ground which was washing away into a nearby river.

The sight drew morbid gasps.

"We heard the legend... we can help you!" Eclipse said anxiously.

"There's nothing you can do. Nor I can do. Anyone..." it said with its head hung low as he buckled down again to sob beside the tree "if you don't leave soon, you will find yourself in regretful danger. I suggest you leave."

"Wh-why's that?" Caine asked.

"Because..." an evil voice cackled, causing Caine to jump and hide behind Eclipse and Susie as the ground shook ever so slightly.

As the group of three thrashed their gazes all over the place, their tried to witheld their screams when a tall, black and red clothed enchantress with a snake-like staff suddenly appeared in front of the stag with thunderous boom as the flares and lights died down.

She laughed evilly, before gazing upon the group of three individuals with her fierce scarlett eyes.

"Because I don't like kids tresspassing my area," she smirked evilly, as she looked at each hedgehog, bat and cat carefully. The more fear she noted, the better she felt.

"You do realise you're all going to die, don't you?" she asked, her voice sounding kind and pleasant, but ironic with the message her voice had to deliver.

OOc3: a bit rushed. Sorry about that. Have to go now!

OOC: Finally finally posted, apologies for the waiting time and for the length of this post itself. But I really felt in my groove writing this, ended up with nearly ten pages in the word processor I tapped this out onto. Hope it unleashes this RP so we can start shakin' and bakin' again!

IC:
Im not good at keeping journals. Last time I did, I was dating Jake and I was happy. I threw that out after the accident, felt too guilty to look back through old happy memories when I felt torn up inside. Wish I had that now.

I got up early this morning to write all of this down. I felt compelled to, like it was necessary to get all of whats happened down, even if its just brief and missing a lot of details. I feel like Im caught up into something much larger than myself, and its overwhelming to think of what weve done so far. But I wouldnt have chosen a better group of people to share this adventure, and-

Whats takin you so long, Taff? Even the other girls are already out here!

Taffys bright blue eyes looked up from the white pages of the leather-bound journal she held in one hand, and she glared witheringly at the red hedgehog who had barged into the room she had shared with Bucky, Karya, Riku and Lena. Didnt your mother teach you to knock before coming into the room of a lady? snapped Taffy.

She did, but there aint a lady in here now, Max shot back with a roguish wink. Were all outside waitin for ya, cmon!

Ill be down in just a minute.

Max left, and Taffy turned back to the journal, quickly scribbling her next words. Okay, maybe Id have chosen one person differently, but aside from a certain prickly red hedgehog, this has been a fantastic adventure. I just hope that well all live through this and that well be able to beat the Combine to the Emeralds. I still dont understand all the reasons weve been put together, especially a certain prickly red reason, but weve made it this far. We may be able to save Mobius yet.

She dated the entry and closed it, slipping it into her backpack. The raccoon held the backpack for a moment and looked down at the red and yellow Chaos Emeralds, their combined glow resonating in a quiet but sure manner. Taffy smiled at them.

Were going to find the others, just you wait, she told them in a whisper, and she closed up the backpack and lifted it back onto her back. She was wearing a clean pair of overalls now, the last set having gotten torn up in the Combine complex. She also wore the same green T-shirt that she had gotten from Jim, her hiking shoes, and of course her hair was done up in that long braid that she favored. What was more important than clothes was the sense of accomplishment and purpose in her heart that now guided her.

I had another dream last night that I forgot to mention in the journal. All I remember is the sound of another Chaos Emerald calling out to me, and it sounded like it was coming from far to the east of Danberg. So were taking the train that goes through Danberg toward that direction, and hopefully either Cipher will show up again to tell us how to get there, or Ill have another vision or dream to lead us by. If not, Im sure well figure out something.

Not even Maxs interruption earlier could quite spoil her mood, and she came down the stairs and out the front door to join the rest of her friends outside on the sidewalk. Cars driven by the locals had been brought to escort them to the train station, and with all of their goodbyes already said, it really would not take them long to get going again.

Time to leave this old cityand all the bad memories that go with it. This is the new me now.

Garos, killed? The Combines base of operations in Danberg, destroyed? And another Chaos Emerald LOST?!

The tall, armored figure with the abyssal black eyes seethed with fettered rage after turning off the holographic image of one of his subordinates reporting. That fool has set our plans back with such inefficiency! All that we have gained is actual footage taken from the security cameras in the complex of the intruders before it was destroyed. Intruders who, if the evidence is understood correctly, are determined to stop at nothing to interfere with Combine efforts! And as if that werent enough, Bean and Bark have not yet reported back about those hedgehogs!

The leader of the Combine gripped the edges of the holoconference table, fingers tense and gripping into the solid structure. Metal shrieked as it was torn by the flexing of those fingers, and the figure forced his hands away from the deep indentations made into the surface of the console. Inefficiency is not tolerated. We must step up our efforts to recover the Emerald that the animal traitor Cipher stole from us, as well as to protect the remaining two that we have in our possession

There was a pause of silence in the darkness, and then the holoconference table lit up as the leader activated it with remote commands. Send all images from the security cameras of Gaross facility to the leader of the Harmonic Order division of the Combine. The Chaos Emerald they have must be protected, and it is the next nearest one to the current location of the interlopers. Also provide all relevant data that we can find from public databanks on the identities of the animals who have made themselves enemies of the Combine.

Acknowledged, warbled the deep, inorganic voice of the Combines computer systems.

I see your hand in this, Cipher. Youre leading these animals against us. But your lives are now forfeit. Even I acknowledge the might of the Harmonic Order and their agents, despite theirunorthodox methods. It will soon be finished, and there will be no one to stop us this time!

Susie let out a whimper as she realized that jumping to hide behind Eclipse wasnt an option; Caine had already taken the initiative and had jumped behind the both of them. And even though it was strangely comforting to stand side-by-side with Eclipse, the very arcane sense of the woman in front of them, with her flashing magic and devilishly-smooth voice, overwhelmed the tigergirls rash bravery.

Susie could handle facing someone like Kohle, a very scary but very real opponent. But against this sort of thing, she felt helpless and surrounded.

And do you know why youre about to die? continued the enchantress in far too conversational a tone for even Susie to consider her sane. Because I have been the master of this place for over three centuries! Life is mine to give, and mine to take away. And soon your lives will be mine, and your souls will serve as fodder for my magic.

Eclipse took a step backward, and Susie and Caine did the same. But the problem that Susie detected as her boot landed into squishy mud, was that their backs were to the river that ran beside the tree and the stag. Susie took a brief look back and all the fur on her body bristled out as she saw a skull float up for a moment on the surface of the river, haunting empty eye sockets staring back at her before the skull fell back beneath the fouled waters.

Susie, take Caine and run for it, whispered Eclipse.

Susie turned about, her fear suddenly turning to concerned anger as her mismatched steel and hazel eyes turned on the blue bat. What about you?!

Ill try to distract her, said Eclipse, doing his best to sound brave though his yellow eyes reflected the fear that Susie felt.

Im not letting you face her alone! hissed Susie. Shell tear out your heart and feed it to the crows!

Better me than all of us, hissed Eclipse back. Just go, and hopefully you can get Caine to-

I despise it when children are rude, spoke up the enchantress, and she raised her staff. She chanted dark words of power that chilled Susies spine, and suddenly the three of them were grabbed by skeletons that sprang up from the rivers depths, held by their arms to prevent them from escaping. There, that will keep you from fidgeting. Now, what shall I do with you

You shall do nothing to them, witch, spoke out a loud but neutral female voice from somewhere.

Susie joined Eclipse, Caine, the enchantress and the stag in looking about, and this time their eyes locked onto the off-white furred form of a vixen who stepped out from between two dead trees. An old gnarled wooden staff with a beautiful bright red gemstone topping it stood upright in her hand. Unlike the enchantress, this newcomer wore no bright gaudy clothing, or any clothing at all; her fur was thick enough to provide both warmth and modesty. It somehow lent to the regal bearing that she held herself in now as she stood with the tip of her staff resting against the sandy barren ground.

My, they certainly havent been teaching manners like they used to, commented the enchantress lightly.

Enough of your false speaking! commanded the newcomer as she raised the staff and struck the tip into the ground. With a gesture and a spoken word that Susie did not recognize, but that reminded her of the spells that Eclipse used, the bones of the skeletons fell apart and released the three teenage Mobians. The vixen then turned stern eyes back to the enchantress, whose jovial expression was now replaced with outrage. I am Jayne, Keeper of the Forest of the Future. Your evil magic has been leeching the life out of this land for far too long, and you have fallen so low as to threaten children. Your wickedness ends today.

Mighty words, druid, seethed the enchantress, her pale face reddening as she raised her staff and pointed it at Jayne. But we shall see whose magic is mightiest.

We shall, replied Jayne firmly as she raised her own staff.

Shes distracted! We can try to help the stag and tree now! whispered Susie.

But what about her? asked Caine, speaking up for the first time since the enchantress appeared. He indicated the vixen, who summoned a blue magical barrier to block the fierce red rays that shone from the eyes of the enchantresss staff.

Or we could help her too? suggested Susie.

This is some powerful magic, breathed Eclipse as he recognized the words being shouted as commands to wield the forces of magic. If theyre using that sort of magic, then the curse on the stag and tree might be too great for me to overcome. Im still just a student myself.

Susie shook her head emphatically before waggling a finger at Eclipse. No excuses, Clips! I believe in you, youve fought off crazy stuff like this before!

OOC: Ach, sorry for the length of the post. Like Terg, I managed to get into a writing groove, and couldn't stop. Basically it deals with Alex's thoughts on his mistakes, and Danberg's appreciation of the group. Plus another new character!

...and maybe, finally, a group name, no matter how unoriginal it is?

IC:
Alex sat silently on a bed in the room the men had used to sleep within. Already, many of the others had gone downstairs into the main lounge area or outside, however, Alex couldnt bear to go to either one of them. The lounge area was definitely out of the question, his body refused to let him in there whatsoever. It wasnt surprising, really; after all he was shot there. It was his own overconfidence and naivety, rushing headlong into a situation that he didnt have the right information of, and because of it, he could have gotten killed. For whatever reason though, the guard had lowered the gun that once pointed to the back of Alexs head, and shot him in the shoulder instead. He was lucky that his friends were able to deal with the rest of the gang quickly, and that both Lena and Taffy were able to tend to his wounds, so that Alex was still alive.

He lifted his red t-shirt up over his head, and inspected his shoulder. Lenas magic had healed it, yet there would remain a scar. Not just physical, but psychologically as well. He had in fact spent the last night terrified in a nightmare, reliving the situation, searching for paths and different ways he could have tackled the situation, almost all of which met with his own grisly end.

He turned his head away, in shame. It didnt hurt any longer, but it still felt almost too much to bear. Still, in some way, he was grateful for it. It was a shock, and an ever constant realization, a reminder in fact, to make sure he never did something as stupid again. Of course, the situation with Ricardo had proved a stupid mistake on his part as well, which almost got himself and Taffy killed, yet that served as a good lesson, too. And it did save Bucky from being killed at any rate, what was done was done. Best to luck to the present and future, to never make the same mistake twice.

As for why he wouldnt wait outside until everyone else was ready and that they could go, was because there was a large reception of Danbergs citizens, who were all cheerful and thankful of the groups activities, and in getting rid of the Combines prescience within the city. Alex was still not comfortable amongst such large numbers, especially strangers. That was why he waited.

He heard a knock on the wooden door, which surprised him and made him rush to lift his red t-shirt back down.

Yes? Alex asked.

Alex, everyone else is ready to go. Theyre waiting for you, came a warm and friendly voice from the other side. Alex had only known that person for little under a day, but felt certain he could trust her, and was grateful for her hospitality.

Thank you, Mrs. Diller. I appreciate everything youve done for me and us. Alex replied, getting up from the bed and landing on the wooden floor, prompting a loud creak to emanate. The casual thumping of the wood made it clear to Mrs. Diller that Alex was walking around the room, collecting his precious few belongings, before he reached the door and opened it, seeing the female Overlander before him.

Its not a problem, Alex. Its the least I could do, especially after you risked your life like that to save me and Phyllis. Giving you a room for the night was the least that I could do. The Overlander replied, smiling.

Alex looked at her, faked a smile, and then looked down to the ground in self-pity, at the reminded of his rescue attempt. Mrs. Diller meant well and all, but her words actually harmed more then they did good, as they just made it painfully more obvious that Alex could have, and should have, died then.

Um, Mrs. Diller. I dont what you call it, but Im sorry for breaking that thing in the uh, small room. Alex sheepishly said, looking back up to her.

Its not a problem, Alex, Mrs. Diller replied, as both of them scaled down the stairs. This old house is wearing away as it is, it was bound to break sooner then later.

Alex nodded. He finally arrived downstairs in the hall, his quiver set over his back and the new bow that he had made during the groups travel from Jims farm to Danberg (his original being destroyed by a gunshot from Carrion) firmly attached to a strap next to his quiver. He also carried a small travel bag in his right hand, filled with a few changes of cloths and previsions. Mrs. Diller opened the old doors in front of them, and as they swung open, a burst of light peered through, momentarily blinding Alex whose eyes had adjusted to the bleak, dreariness of the withered house.

As his eyes quickly became accustomed to the sensitivity of the light, he saw the rest of the familiar faces of his group, all smiling towards him. They were all ready to go, and around the several cars that were parked next to the house, other strangers were around them, cheering them all for the groups heroic efforts. It felt slightly overwhelming, and Alex couldnt help but hang his head, averting his vision from the strangers gaze as he also blushed. So much appreciation felt unnatural to Alex, but it was heart-warming to say the least.

Well then, time for us to go, Lena said, being the first to enter a car. The rest of the group nodded, and made their own ways to certain cars. Alex followed in last.

The trip from the old home to the train station didnt take long at all. At the arrival, the group were surprised to see even more of Danbergs locals awaiting them to see them depart. The group climbed up the small steps onto the platform, and saw a brilliant train before them. Shined and polished even more so for this monumental occasion, the group could only stare wide eyed, their mouths agape at the fantastic steam engine. The carriages were boarded gold in a fancy and suitable style, whilst the remainder of it was coloured red, in contrast to the black engine itself.

This is a train? Alex thought to himself. I wonder how it works?

My friends, this is such a wonderful occasion, spoke out a surprising voice which attracted the attention of the entire group who turned to see a wizened old man walk towards the group. He had a long, grey beard and moustache, and either side of him were two well dressed aides, one of them a thin, red haired woman with glasses, the other, a more muscular, black haired and tanned man. They both had their hands clasped together in front of them. As the old mayor of this city, before the dreadful Combine presence invaded our city, I humbly thank you for the brave efforts and courage you have displayed, for liberating our city from their dastardly presence.

It wasnt a problem, sir, Taffy answered, smiling. Our own travels simply brought us into contact with them. Taffy wasnt sure whether mentioning the Chaos Emeralds and the groups mission, here and now, would be particularly wise.

Then fate is a blessing. The mayor replied. I have noticed that some of your people carry weapons upon them. Whilst some of you appear to have absolutely divine weapons, weapons I doubt we could match or surpass, some of you, not to be rude, have some rather, rudimentary weapons, if I do say so myself.

Taffy turned her head to the side somewhat, confused by the mayors speech. Her own confusion was similarly shared and expressed by the rest of the group.

Ahem. To explain myself more am I correct to assume that, throughout your travels, you will be brought into further conflict with that evil corporation? The mayor asked. The entirety of the group nodded. As I thought. To that degree, youll want the best of weapons, yes? Your groups swords seem to have no par, so I cant help you there, however. Youre groups bows could be replaced, as could your friends gun, as well as supply of ammo.

Taffy frowned.

The mayor nodded. I understand what you must be thinking, and I too do not condone the use of weapons. Indeed, in what should be such a peaceful land now, the use of weapons should be restricted absolutely. However, weapons must also be used for protection as well.

Then what about the Combine? If you had weapons yourselves, then surely- Max began.

It is far more then that. No, the Combine wasnt anything alike terrorists, they were, for all intents and purposes, a legit business and corporation, especially as it appeared from the start. Their own business managed to even help Danbergs economy. No, it is within recent years that Danberg has been in a downward spiral, because of the secretive Combine. It is only now that their presence has been removed, and that we shall conduct an investigation to what they have done. Perhaps then, we could contact the other cities across Mobius, and perhaps warn them and make them aware of the Combines activities. I hope that this too, will be able to help you.

The aides picked up three briefcases they brought with them, and handed them to Bucky, Max and Alex. Max flicked it open, quickly inspected the contents, nodded and smirked. He was content.

You may use them if you wish, or not at all. You may feel more comfortable with your traditional weaponry, Im not sure. Still, these weapons are more refined, durable, and more powerful. I hope theyll come in use for you. The mayor continued.

Thank you, Taffy ended, bowing. The team turned, and began walking to the train.

One of those carriages is especially reserved just for you, so make yourself at home. The mayor finished. Oh, thats right! I almost forgot. The mayor added, scratching his scalp. Do you young fellers have a name?

a name? Zephron asked, turning around.

As a collective? As a whole group? If were to talk about you, we cant just call you that group. The mayor replied, nodding to himself.

I nevah though about a name, bfore. Karya admitted.

How about Freedom Fighters? The mayor inquired. Yes, yes, its a superb name, if I do say so myself! The rest of the group looked back at the mayor, their eyes narrowing. For some, the name didnt seem to truly inspire them. Its the same name as the legendary group that saved us all from that dictating rule. And you, my friends, are doing much the same! Saving us from that evil corporation that wishes to subjugate us all! Yes, yes, a fine name, if I do say so myself. Not too shabby.

Not to be rude, but we need to go. We cant waste any more time. Max spoke aloud.

Ah, right! The mayor added, coming out of his own mental thoughts. Yes, yes. Best wishes to you all. May gods of Mobius watch over you safely.

The group all nodded, smiled, and waved to the cheering crowd, before entering through the door into the first cart of the train. Regular passengers were allowed onto the remainder of the carriages, but not allowed into the compartment of the groups.

They all walked forwards, inspecting the rich and marvellous dcor that greeted them. Golden rimmed, leather seats, large windows with magnificent red curtains either side. It was definitely a surprising factor to see, given the rest of the downtrodden and generally low quality of the whole of Danberg. The most likely explanation was that this train was out of service during the years of the Combines presence, brought into service again only now, and done up too.

Alex wandered around the room in surprise, taking in the wondrous sights, before finally sitting down on one of the long, superb seats. He sat beside the window, and looked out through the glass. He had never seen anything quite so amazing before in his life.

The train is preparing to disembark Danberg station! Will all passengers please be seated. Rang out an announcement that was projected to all carriages. This prompted those of the group that hadnt done so already to find a seat and sit down.

The crowd outside continued to wave, as the train slowly began to disembark, leaving the platform. Slowly but surely, it began to gently increase with speed.

Wait! cried out a loud voice. This surprised some of the crowd nearest to the source, but for the rest, it was drowned out by the sounds of cheering and clapping. The figure who had shouted out, a dog wearing a large, grey open jacket with a clear blue shirt showing through, and black trousers and boots ran from the crowd, onto the platform, and darted to the first carriage. Before any of the crowd could possibly stop him, the dog jumped onto the small part of the outside of the carriage, next to the part where the first and second carriages were connected.

Well, Ill be. Was that? the mayor began, watching in quiet bemusement as the train departed and gradually became little more then a tiny speck in the distance.

Yes, Mr. Dethiel, sir. He was a teacher at the Rosehill School. Hes had numerous, ah, problems an incidents, sir. Gambling, womanizing the list is practically endless. The female aide explained. He left his position a few months back due to complications with the Combine

Ah, yes. Still, despite all his faults, he has a heart of gold. I wonder where he is going? The mayor pondered aloud.

The Train-First carriage

Alex couldnt help but continually stare through the window, at the rushing scenery. It was unlike anything he had seen before. He could even see the forest he lived in! He wondered what was happening there right this inst-

BANG

A large sound erupted from behind the group, and all at once the group turned in surprise to see what it was. Behind them was an open door that led to the second carriage, and in the doorway itself was Clint Dethiel, the dog who had hitched a ride upon the carriage. The group stared in disbelief at the new arrival, especially as this was meant to be a private ride.

Clint looked up, rearranging the goggles on his forehead somewhat. His long blonde, bleached hair over his grey fur was long and messy, and he was visibly panting. Although he was wearing large, bulky grey jacket, it was obvious that he was carrying something around inside of it. Chains could be seen hanging from his belt, a lot of them. It was unusual for someone to be carrying that many chains, especially mountain climbing chains.

Uhh dont mind me, Clint sheepishly said aloud, closing the door and silencing the carriage from the loud thump of the train wheels outside. He took a spot on an empty seat at the back of the carriage, averting his gaze from the rest of the group.

OOC: Howdy everyone.

I got a post together, although Im really sorry for the delay, I meant to have it up on Saturday, though I got sidetracked by a number of things, homework included as always.

Before I get into the post, Id like to request that the train sequence not end too soon please, I have something in mind, though it wouldnt be right to set it into motion just yet, seeing as the train has only just debarked from Danburg. So i'm sorry if i can't contribute much to progressing that aspect of the story at this point in time but perhaps it's best this way so that the characters can get some time to become acquainted with the new character 'Clint'?

Another thing Id like to mention, some changes are in order for Eclipses knowledge of spells. The reason? I feel that being a more experienced roleplayer, I can structure Eclipses spells better as those of the moon alignment. Consequently, I want to alter the words used to invoke the spells in question, as I have developed a new system for magical incantations that actually brings meaning to the words used in the spells. Ill bring that theory up sometime in the near future.

For now, on with the post! I apologise in advance for the length, guess who else got into a writing groove?

---

What began as a faint beeping had now developed into an obnoxiously loud digital chime which echoed throughout a long hall of stone walls, marble pillars, ancient tapestries and various portraits and ornaments. At the end of a long crimson carpet stretching all the way across the hall, sat an elaborately furnished rosewood desk, complete with dragon-head designs on the corners and inscriptions along the side made of gold. A slumbering robed figure sitting in throne behind the desk, and in front of a wall of stained glass, stirred at the sound coming from the machine on its desk.

Stretching out a single finger from a slender clawed hand, the figure reacted to the machine with the pressing of a single button, followed by numerous words of curse from some other-worldly language.

Instantaneously, the once flat machine ceased its beeping and sprang into life, unfolding into a device resembling a holographic projector like those seen in science fiction movies.

Upon completing its transformation, the device began to hum before projecting a hazy holographic image of a human dressed in some sort of militaristic uniform, bearing the insignia of the Combine along his left breast.

This had better be worth my time growled the robed figure in a deep, aged masculine voice, slouching in his throne as a result of being woken up so abruptly.

The human in the hologram performed a customary salute of the Combine before bringing himself to speak, Humblest apologies for the intrusion master Maldrameccus, but I bear word from the high council.

Ah yes muttered Maldrameccus with a slight chuckle, dreadfully sorry I couldnt make it to that meeting. Do pass on my humblest apologies to the other members of the high council. I was preoccupied with pressing matters. The tone of voice used, was riddled with sarcasm.

A faked smile glimmered from the human in the hologram, Well, Im afraid you missed some very important developments master Maldrameccus, we have reason to believe that your citadel is under threat.

HA! shouted Maldrameccus in defiance. He sat forward slightly, revealing a set of intimidating amber eyes underneath the hood of his highly decorative, darkened silver robe. The citadel of the Harmonic Order is perhaps the most impenetrable of all the Combines bases of operations, he boasted with a high degree of self-assurance, What threat could possibly exist for the Order?

The human in the hologram fidgeted with some buttons off-screen, bringing up some message prompts to Maldrameccus view, Contained in these files are a detailed report of an unfortunate recent turn of events, he continued with a quivering voice, as if he was still in denial of the whole thing being possible, master Garos, along with his entire base of operations, has been terminated.

Turning his eyes away from the blinking message prompts on-screen, Maldrameccus focused his gaze on the humans face, watching him quaver about with disbelief. The robed Mobian erupted into a fit of evil laughter, much to the startle of the human communicator.

Focusing again on the task at hand, Maldrameccus returned his gaze to the human with a sinister grin, Garos was an ignorant fool. He clung too tightly to his precious personal projects to be of any real use to the Combine. It was a matter of natural selection that he was eliminated from our ranks in my opinion. Whos hand should I be shaking, hmm?

At first the human didnt know what the high council member was asking him, but it dawned on him eventually as he fumbled a reply, oh, uhh Well, attached to the complete de-briefing are some images recovered from some security cameras within master Garos facility before-

You need not refer to that corpse as master Garos any longer interrupted Maldrameccus, I find it irritating.

yes sir, replied the human, wiping some sweat off his brow, he never truly understood why many others before him had rejected the task of contacting the head of the Harmonic Order before now, something about this mobian he was speaking to upset his nerves, as if conversing was the equivalent of being placed onto a torture device.

As I was saying sir, before the base collapsed, we recovered some images and footage from the security cameras of the ones responsible for the destruction of maste ehh.. our late comrades base.

Maldrameccus didnt open the files before snapping at the human, You still havent answered my initial question you snivelling vermin! Why does this concern me?

The human began to frantically wipe his brow again, and for some reason appeared out of breath, Im so-sorry sir, the uhh, these ones that disrupt the Combines plans, have already acquired two emeralds from us as well as caused this whole ordeal. The uhh, the c-council fears the safety of the emerald in your possession, as it appears that the uhh.. these trouble makers are headed toward your general direction.

Hmph! Is that so? mused Maldrameccus, The high council should have more faith in me, dont you agree? I hardly feel a need for concern, these hostilities only managed to take down that blundering oaf Garos after all. Barely a fear-inducing achievement if I do say so.

Yes replied the human in a patronising tone, rubbing his eyes in stress.

Nonetheless Maldrameccus slouched back in his throne again, Ill look into the matter and deal with these so-called troublemakers. But answer me this

y-yes sir? stumbled the human.

Is all the necessary information concerning this whole matter contained within the files I received?

absolutely sir!

good replied Maldrameccus, before suddenly sitting forward in an intimidating fashion, then why the blazes am I speaking to YOU?

The human clutched his heart, i-Im sorry sir, there was c-concern that you wouldnt check your messages and-

The humans pleas were silenced as Maldrameccus ended the conversation by the press of a button.

Pah! Fools, the lot of them! he stared menacingly at the projector device, these contraptions only serve as testaments to the unnecessary weakness coursing through the veins of the Combine! Garos should serve as a prime example of what happens when we hide behind our technology for too long

He began to tap more buttons on the console to bring up the data on the hostile individuals. His eyes widened in calm curiosity as he browsed through a series of diagrams and images.

Interesting he mumbled to himself, fidgeting with a short, wispy beard protruding from the patch of darkness under his hood where a chin would be, so it appears there are magic users in the ranks of these intruders. My, this is an intriguing development

Do you always talk to yourself so much? chimed an eccentric, screechy male voice. A single, glowing, fluorescent green eye appeared in a ceiling-corner of the hallway, the figure to which the eye belonged was obscured by shadows. The eye appeared to be constantly streaming wisps of green smoke into the air around it.

*sigh*, youre losing your touch Maldrameccus spoke an energetic feminine voice, you couldve killed that pathetic message-boy. Another eye similar to the green one, but fluorescent pink, appeared beside one of the marble pillars closer to Maldrameccus desk, once again its owner obscured by shadows.

Yet you didnt spoke a highly sophisticated, husky male voice, And here I was, hoping for at least some form of bloodshed. Another eye, yellow this time, appeared in one of the corners of the room nearest to Maldrameccus, shadows yet again concealing the identity of the eyes owner, Really Maldrameccus

Maldrameccus simply inspected his nails and ignored the insults of the voices, Present yourselves before your Archmage.

The three eyes vanished, and as quickly as they did, three mobians dashed onto an area of the crimson carpet, directly in front of their master.

Each of the mobians appeared to be in their teenage years, and were dressed in the clothes that only youth of their age group would consider wearing, in direct contrast to the traditional, formal magician threads that Maldrameccus donned.

Standing to the left was a blue-grey Dragonfly with light green highlights. He wore a black hoodie and tattered blue jeans, with matching black runners and three separate decorative necklaces. His left eye was a horribly disfigured glowing green orb.

Standing to the right was a hot-pink female ferret with hair dyed orange and black at the tips. She wore a black netted piece over a white t-shirt that was obviously a size too small for her, a pair of tan shorts that were under the same category as her t-shirt, a pair of yellow and orange striped arm warmers and a matching pair of tall boot-sneakers. Her left eye was a horribly disfigured glowing pink orb.

And what appeared to be a leader figure, stood in the middle of the other two, an almost completely white Jackal with aqua tips on his ears and on his fringe which almost obscured his face. He wore pinstriped aqua shirt with a Chinese dragon type design on it, underneath a black skivvy, a pair of darker coloured Jeans and a pair of matching sneakers. His left eye was a horribly disfigured glowing yellow orb.

Their eyes, and their evil grins correlated them to each-other.

Maldrameccus waved a hand in front of them and they all began to gasp and twitch madly.

Dont forget to show respect to your master, and the one who controls the flow of mana in this place Maldrameccus boomed, dismissing whatever he had done with another wave of his hand.

The trio of young mages stood up straight casually and recovered, as if what had just transpired was routine for them.

Oh, you know were just joking with ya Maldrameccus mused the ferret.

Yeah, were just foolin around! chimed the dragonfly with a grin.

Its not like we can help it really. reasoned the Jackal with a smug smile, we havent seen any action in a considerable amount of time. Were all bored out of our skulls!

Their leader scoffed at their behaviour, and turned the projector around to have the image properly face his sub-ordinates. These ones who took down Garos base; some of them can wield magic. I assume you know what this means?

Of course master. Replied the Jackal with a nod of acknowledgement.

So you want us to bring em here alive then? asked the Ferret.

What? Alive!? Aw man. Mumbled the dragonfly to his colleague.

A malicious smile came over Maldrameccus, I dont remember saying anything about sending you three on any missions. A disciple-class group could easily pull off this assignment in my opinion

Oh, PLEASE! screeched the dragonfly, screaming like a spoiled child, its been far too long since Ive seen some action, oh please let us do this!

Act your age ya big baby! retorted the ferret before she smacked the dragonfly over the head.

if I might be so bold, sir spoke the Jackal, stepping forward we have confirmed that these interlopers are in possession of two chaos emeralds. If by some chance, they manage to utilise the power within them, a magician-class group would stand no chance, let alone a simple disciple-class group.

Maldrameccus grinned, Sharp minded as always, eh Xeno?

The Jackal named Xeno smiled sinisterly and bowed, Always for the Order, master.

Maldrameccus played some footage on the hologram, So happens these berserkers have managed to harness the power from chaos emeralds before, but as you can see

Images of a young wolf pup surrounded by glowing energy flashed across the screen.

They are quite inexperienced.

psch! Amateurs! smirked the ferret.

This is what the councils all shaken up by? chuckled the dragonfly, pointing mockingly at the screen.

apparently so.

Instantly, the dragonfly dropped to the ground clutching his stomach as he laughed uncontrollably.

The Jackal named Xeno kicked his downed colleague, honestly, you need to learn some self-control.

The dragonfly continued laughing as he sat up, Garos got beaten by, HAHAHAHA, by a glowing dog! GAHAHAHA!

Maldrameccus cleared his throat, I trust that you can locate the targets through harmonic resonance?

It wont be difficult to sense their magical harmonics on the way to an un-gifted place like Danberg Xeno curtly replied, well know its them when we sense them.

can we go now? whined the ferret, her voice told that she was on the brink of yawning.

our mission orders are to bring them all here then? asked Xeno.

Maldrameccus shook his head, no no, far too soon for that. Id like to know a little bit more about these interlopers first he leaned back in his throne, all I need for now is a little analysis of their magical prowess. Just seek them out and give them a little scare would you? shake them up a little as you kids would say. Once Im satisfied with their abilities, then Ill consider test subjects. Understood?

As clear as the mana stream my lord.

The trio bowed to their master and casually strolled down the long hallway toward the exit.

Wait, hold on a moment! shouted Maldrameccus as he reached into a cupboard on his desk.

The three teenagers stopped in their tracks and turned to see their master holding three silver chained necklaces with a stone amulet in their centre. They each caught an amulet as they were thrown to them.

As you all know, its quite bothersome to recharge those, so only use them if absolutely necessary, please?

the ferret smirked, so you did intend us for this mission in the first place.

Maldrameccus bowed his head down in a morbid fashion, his eyes flared brighter as his hands rested in a folded fashion in front of his visage, you three enjoy yourselves.

With that, the trio disappeared down the dark hallway.

---

This is some powerful magic, breathed Eclipse as he recognized the words being shouted by Jayne and the evil enchantress as commands to wield the forces of magic. If theyre using that sort of magic, then the curse on the stag and tree might be too great for me to overcome. Im still just a student myself.

Susie shook her head emphatically before waggling a finger at Eclipse. No excuses, Clips! I believe in you, youve fought off crazy stuff like this before!

The bats yellow eyes stared at Suzie with every word that left her lips. She was so confident of him, more confident in his abilities than he was himself. Eclipse never had much experience in anti-magic, he would never be able to lift a curse incarnated by a being as powerful as this evil enchantress.

How could someone like Suzie who knew so little of the workings of magic, possibly have so much faith in the extent to which Eclipses abilities could work? Its like not knowing a thing about how a lawnmower engine worked, and instantly assuming it was powerful enough to drive a truck! Then again, Eclipse wouldnt know very much about mechanics that was Suzies thing. The real question was, why was Suzie so willing to put so much trust in him?

clips?

Eclipse shook his head and returned to reality, sheepishly realising he had just been day-dreaming in a time of such conflict. As he opened his mouth to reply, his attention, as well as that of Caine and Suzie, was directed immediately to a cry of pain as Jayne slammed against a tree, a long bloodied claw-mark visible across her chest as she slid to the ground, staying strong as she glared back at her opponent, staff still in hand.

A clawed skeletal arm slinked back into a small black void that emanated from the tip of the enchantress staff and disappeared back into the nether.

How rude it is to boast ones power the enchantress pointed the tip of her staff only a few feet from Jaynes nose, only to reveal yourself as a liar! A spidery hand reached up and placed a single finger on her lips, I was expecting much more from the guardian of the forest.

Jayne thrust forward an open palm and lush green energy began to coil into it.

Leidrasil Taruu! the Vixens shout caused a giant organic splinter to discharge from the centre of her palm on a collision course with the enchantress head!

A smile came over the enchantress that stretched the corners of her mouth as finished invoking a spell of her own, Rakalade Eviscer! a sickle-like blade of bone materialised onto the end of her staff and she used it to swat the thorn-arrow aside like a bothersome fly.

A hazy purple and black aura began to encircle the pagan staff within her grasp as she pointed the bladed end toward Jayne and reared it back as if preparing to throw a spear.

Jayne rolled to the side just as the enchantress staff impaled itself into the tree which she once stood before.

The enchantress hand glowed with the same sickly power that her staff did, and with it she telekinetically controlled her now bladed staff. The phantom weapon pulled itself out of the tree as if wielded by a ghost, and took to the skies after Jayne.

Leidrasil Enfune! The ground was torn asunder as three massive spiked briars began to strike out from the earth in an attempt to impale the enchantress.

The dark lady was able to react in time to dodge the briars through means of a sickeningly graceful series of hops not unlike those that usually transpire in childrens games.

Jayne stared wide-eyed as her dark opponent smiled at her at the end of her dance and pointed a single wiry finger directly at her.

The bladed staff bolting down on her from the sky was the only sight that greeted Jayne as she instinctively raised her head.

What happened next for Jayne was a blur, but when her vision returned to her, she could see the enchantress staff impaled into the ground only inches from her feet, the deathly glow faded from it entirely.

Her eyes darted to where her opponent stood, and sure enough, saw her still standing there but she was clutching her hand.

The enchantress angrily raised her head and looked to her right, toward a young blue bat who still had an open palm with fingers outstretched looking back at her with fear and determination in his eyes.

Svarminus. Paralia? whispered the enchantress.

Jayne followed the vile ladys gaze to the young child that she had just rescued beforehand. This child was the one producing that aura?

Suzie stood behind Eclipse, her arms wrapped around Caine protectively. She stared at Eclipses display out of surprise, but deep down she knew hed act somehow, and if not under such circumstances, shed smile.

So youre a caster attuned to the moon arent you? the enchantress casually asked, shaking off her hand and ignoring the visible bruising, yes Svarminus is a calling to the wandering moon ghost, if my intellect does not fail me how did a child your age come to study such magic?

Eclipse stared back at her then turned over to Jayne, uh, Jayne is it? Jayne, I need you to lift the curse on the stag, I dont have any experience lifting curses. He turned to face the enchantress with a gaze that spoke of hatred, Ill be your opponent now witch!

Small streams of fire flickered before the enchantress eyes as her face still remained with that sickening smile, as if it were a mask, how rude! How very, very rude! I asked you a question dear boy, and you just shrug it off like Im not worth your time! She spoke as if she were offended.

Suzie frowned and stuck her tongue out at the enchantress, subconsciously tightening her grip on Caine, constricting the young hedgehogs neck, causing him to choke and kick madly into the air. Show this old hag whos boss clips! Go Merlin on her a-

-Suzie.. interrupted Eclipse, You two stay close to Jayne and give her all the help she needs. Youll be safer.

oh... said Suzie, losing her frown and adopting an innocent facial expression, her grip loosened on Caine, whos ears flopped down along with his brow as he gasped for breath with a degree of annoyance. ..okay.

Caine groaned slightly as Suzie choked him by the neck again while dashing toward Jayne.

tsk tsk tsk! mocked the enchantress while waving a finger at Eclipse, and you continue to show such horrible manners! You arent a very polite young man to keep me waiting so long for an answer to such a simple question. Her face lowered as her eyes glared menacingly at the blue bat, how did you come to learn that particular magic, child?

A cold bead of sweat ran along Eclipses forehead down to his nose, I uhh I dont need to tell you anything!

heh, I dont need to tell you anything oh thats delicious

oh no... Eclipse muttered to himself.

I could just feel the power in those words, such anger, such determination youre learning arent you?

shut up

The enchantress raised an eyebrow, are you ignoring me again? Talking to yourself is more amusing is it? Hmmm?

Are you going to re-enforce your words with some actions? Or do you plan on listening to this crone banter endlessly?

I said shut up

right muttered the enchantress as she raised her bruised hand, it glowed once again with deathly energies, and her staff began to slide out of the earth.

There, you see? More aggression, yessssss. You really are learning after all, now I am certain! Not long now, oh no not long now

Damn you

The bladed staff flew out from the earth, causing soil to erupt madly, and sailed gracefully through the air into the enchantress grasp.

If youre not content to hold a civilised discussion mused the evil woman.

She let go of her staff and allowed it to hover in the air beside her, then Ill be more than happy to discipline you until I receive a decent reply.

Eclipse braced himself, he was trying to keep himself from trembling for the sake of those he wanted to protect, but he never really was good at faking bravery. He was at least content to have grabbed the full attention of the evil enchantress, even if it was un-intentional.

A shrill, wicked laugh erupted from the foul maw of the dark lady, her staff began to spin madly as it bolted towards Eclipse, painting a glowing trail as it arched through the air.

Stray leaves floating in the breeze and the occasional insect were torn to shreds by the spinning projectile, but Eclipse was able to spread his wings and leap into the air to avoid such a fate.

Eclipse turned around instantly to witness the extent of damage which the possessed staff was causing to the surrounding forest. Numerous small trees were felled by the frenzied weapon, birds scattered into the skies as wildlife cried out in terror.

His eyes darted madly around the landscape, trying to find a moving point in the trail of destruction to locate where the staff was and where it might strike from.

Fear took hold of Eclipse once more as the forest grew silent and the staff was nowhere to be found.

His left ear twitched ever so slightly as a whistling sound grew nearer and nearer. Out of nervous reaction, his whole body swerved around, to grab the staff in mid-strike, two hands holding near the beginning of the long blade, and a foot pushing the body of the staff back. Eclipse fought with the magic controlling the weapon with only his frail physical strength as the tip of the blade grew nearer and nearer to his face.

The enchantress smirked as she clicked her fingers. Eclipse cried out in pain as the energy surrounding the staff intensified, the raw feeling of tortured mana against the skin was enough to make him let go of the staff, only to be blasted by a wave of dark magic and sail a fair distance across the sky in a downward spiral, though he avoided being impaled by the skeletal blade.

Eclipse heaved in breaths of air as he could still feel the stinging sensation of the dark magic across his body.

You need a vacation. May I be of assistance?

He clenched his teeth and stood up from the ground, his back aching from the collision.

No, then? Fine, I offered.

Eclipse leapt forward just in time as the spear-like staff shot into the ground where he once lay.

The staff struck again and again through the tree-tops and into the terrain as he ran madly back toward the clearing.

It was when the staff began spinning like a saw-blade once again that Eclipse jumped up to avoid it and leapt onto a tree branch.

Eclipse looked ahead the path of trees, its just like the race with Rikku with that, he began leaping from branch to branch, using his wings and legs to beat and push off from each one, gaining speed with each leap.

The staff sliced through trees only seconds after Eclipses feet left them.

The rush of adrenaline caused Eclipse to scream as he neared the clearing, light blue mana gathering into a clenched fist along the way.

His feet touched the ground as soon as the thicket of trees ended, immediately breaking into a mad dash toward the enchantress, teeth bared and fist reared back for a strike.

A calm smile remained stretched across the enchantress face even on seeing the bat charging towards her. She raised the hand that wasnt controlling her staff and invoked another spell, Rakalade Skiderai. A giant skeletal hand warped into existence from a dark portal before her, fanning out into a large hand-shaped shield, covering her entire being.

As Eclipse made a leap into the enchantress, the massive skeletal hand clenched shut on him, trapping him in a jaw-like grasp.

It was when the skeletal hand shattered to pieces and turned to dust that the enchantress facial expression changed to a wide-eyed look of disbelief.

The energy in Eclipses hand flickered out, the spell-shatter incantation was successful, although he was unsure how he had executed it.

His eyes flared with a bitter frown, and his mouth contorted into a fang-bearing clench, Eclipse swerved his other hand forward and gathered mana once more.

Svarminus Paralia!

The dark lady flew back slightly at the comet-like magical projectiles impact, but was otherwise startled rather than severely damaged. Realising that the spell hadnt hurt quite as much as she had initially expected, the enchantress turned her bowed head up to the bat with a wide-eyed maniacal grin. was that supposed to-

Her sentence was cut short as Eclipse took to the air once more, avoiding the spinning staff that was still headed right for him, which continued its deadly spin in a straight line after missing

A cough of blood escaped the enchantress jaw and a searing pain emitted from the bladed end of her staff that now protruded from her stomach, impaling her to a tree.

Eclipse landed gracefully back onto the ground, standing in a menacing pose with his facial expression unchanged, staring coldly at the enchantress impaled by her own weapon.

how spluttered the enchantress, watching in horror as the blue bat walked toward her in a grizzly fashion.

It was when he was standing right in front of the enchantress that Eclipse unclenched his teeth to speak, My father taught me since I was very young

He reached a hand to grasp the staff, though father never taught me to be cruel...

A scream of pain escaped the enchantress as Eclipse drove the staff further into her stomach, piercing further into the tree ever so slightly. The bat narrowed his eyes in disgust as he continued, that was all me.

ECLIPSE STOP! came a shout from behind him. Eclipse let go of the anger taking hold of him as he looked over his shoulder to see who the familiar voice belonged to it was Suzie.

Suzies breathing was irregular as she stared at Eclipse with shaky eyes, w-what are you thinking Clips? Thats enough.

Eclipse let go of the staff as if it were suddenly superheated, his own breathing became irregular as he turned to completely face her.

Suzie?... I I was I

Suzie took a step back from Eclipse.

Eclipse turned back to the enchantress, she was gasping in breaths of air, not quite dead, but not exactly alive and well. It was clear that she wasnt a threat for now though, and that was enough for Eclipse to consider her beaten and leave her alone though thats now how he felt only a moment ago.

Looking at Suzie apologetically, Eclipse ran a hand through his hair slowly in anxiety, Suzie, I didnt I didnt mean to Im.. Im sorry, I Suzie please

He fell to his knees as his mind raced through what seemed like a thousand negative thoughts and the world just span around him.

Maybe this Jayne could help Eclipse with his own curse once she was done lifting that which was placed upon the stag.

Max snorted on greeting as he saw the chained-arrival of Clint who simply told the group to not mind him. "Oh we aren't gonna mind you. But we should ent' mind you on the train. This was assured a private arrival buddy. But I really don't care." the downundian hedgehog smirked sheepishily. In truth, he wasn't being rude to be rude. But being rude to cover his paranoia and to shake off his feeling of trains. He did not like Trains. Not at All. Though, however he noticed he was being dragged furthur and away from his goal. To fix his airplane! Wasn't the deal to go to Danberg to get parts, pay for 'em, and then fix his plane and blow it to Mercia, deliver and head home?
He pushed up his sunglasses as the thought went in his mind. Not like he needed the plane to deliver what he did. Heck, he should of just mailed it. But that was againist the note he got to deliver it to. He remembered it....

"To be Mailed and Directly handed to Javien o'Hale in Mercia...." he muttered in acknowledgement. The thing, whatever it was- was attached inside his belt. No bigger than a cellular phone. And in thinking of the damn thing, a noise erupted from Max's pocket. The sound of a electric banjo solo. -in other words. His ringtone.

"Great...what is it now?" he wondered to himself.

He scavenged for his bussiness phone and answered it.

"Hey and 'lo?" he answered. "Uh, yeah. I been delayed you see. But I call you when I arrived. Why? Why I've been delayed?" Max bit his lip.

"I needed to gas up the plane, but I caught a bad wind and crashed, sir. Yeah, see you when I arrive." Max said and closed the phone and put it back in his pocket. This is probally the nicest conversation Max had said out of his mouth as far as the group knew.

The red hedgehog shook his head and coughed. "Meh..."

(OOC: Short compared to your posts, but I'm content with it for now.)

(OOC: I am sorry, once again, for not following up on my earlier post...hopefully I'll be able to keep track of this better. ^^)

Ignoring Max, Zephron hissed to Kari: "Geeze, does that little pin-cushion of yours sleep through everything?? I thought it was that crazy wolverine for a second...seeing as it would be just like him to-" He was interrupted by a harsh look from the vixen.

Karya had nearly died of fright when the others had brought Eckli back, unconscious and wounded. He was like a little brother to her, and she had been ready to wring the bat's neck if something had gone wrong. The bounty hunter was reminded of this and wisely shut his mouth.

Kari looked back down to the slumbering mass of black and white fur on her lap, watching her companion's flanks rise and fall with each breath. Eckli's shoulders had been severly scarred by the mass of energy the vines had transmitted from the emerald, and nothing Lena did could do could make those scars disappear. Right now his chest and shoulders were bandaged, just in case. What worried the vixen the most was the fact that he had slept for hours at a time since the fight with Ricardo...normally the kid bounced back within one good night's sleep! This was highly unusual for Eckli, and Karya only hoped that it was because he needed to replenish the strength used up in the fight.

Still not on speaking terms with his friend, Zephron could only watch in agitation and worry. What had she expected him to do? What other option did they have at the time? It had been either that or let the hamster harm innocents and wreak mass havoc. Was that what she had wanted? Of course, Zephron knew that he had acted without permission, but that was just how he was. And you can't go against your nature, the way you were made. Granted, Eckli had been injured and Hermes as well, but still...

The bat sighed. Here was this guilt thing again. He had been feeling a lot of it lately, and he didn't quite understand why. In any case, he most certainly was not happy with the turn of events. Zephron had planned only on staying till he had healed and until Kohle had lost his trail...he had never meant to get mixed up in something like this!

Never cash checks you can't pay. He knew what his mother had been talking about now. He had gotten himself into this group and had no way to get out of it without being noticed. So, plan B: stick along for the ride, and if things get too hairy, ditch. That always worked for Zephron Helios.

But why did he get the feeling that it wouldn't work as well this time around?

(OOC: Like Mike said, short compared to your posts...but I'm possibly coming down with a cold, so I must be off to bed. Toodles!)

Clint eyed each of the strangers before him, from the best vantage point he could on the back seat of the carriage. He was unsure, hesitant to make contact with them, especially given his own aims, desires and motives. Still he had wanted to be here, specifically here, if only to get the answers that he wanted. Sheepishly, he asked aloud quietly.

So youre the guys that defeated the Combine in Danberg, right? Clint spoke aloud.

There was a nod from his immediate right. On the seats opposite (Clint was sitting on the left set of seats), there was dark Echidna wearing a trench coat and a sword laying by his side. He gazed towards Clint coldly, almost without emotion. It was intimidating, to say the least. We are. Why, you want an autograph? was the response from Factor.

Clint averted his gaze and remained silent. It wasnt funny. No, not funny at all, Clint thought to himself. These guys, theyre theyre getting themselves involved in the situation! They shouldnt!!

Clint looked at his knees. They the Combine-they were my problem. Not theres how, how am I supposed to put my-

-put them to rest?

Danberg; Medical Hospital

He laid within the cold, sterile room, unmoving, lost within his thoughts. Upon the bed, he looked upwards, ever constantly at the unchanging ceiling. The window next to him was open, allowing a nice, cool, gentle breeze to blow through. He blinked. For the large Overlander man, it was a miracle that he had survived his recent ordeal. And from it, he felt almost more confused then before. His memories what were real, what were false?

The others, the allies he had newly met and joined with, who helped him within the Combine building had all now gone from Danberg. He had mentally promised to stay with them, help them through the adversities they faced in an effort to atone for the sins he committed, for almost murdering them, including Gavin, the young Overlander child who was at rest in the room on the over side of the wall his bed was propped against. So much guilt and no room to repent?

Hermes Carrion, yes? came a voice from a small distance away. In fact, the figure it belonged to was right beside him, but for Hermes, it felt like a Herculean effort just to roll his eyes and see who it belonged to.

uh? Hermes responded.

Ah, as expected. Dont worry, the effects should wear off. The operation was mostly a success. All internal injuries were, ah, taken care of, however The doctor beside him assessed.

Thats because I managed to use that ability of mine, Hermes thought to himself, The ability to sense auras. My whole body was almost devoid of any remaining energy. Yet, I managed to use enough, to gently myself mere inches. To get into a spot where the rubble wouldnt fall on and crush me Hermes faintly smirked at this, the doctor would think Hermes survival was a miracle, when there was a definite explanation for it. However, how could you explain such an ability as perceiving auras of anything and everything?

Im afraid, Hermes, theres one thing we couldnt save. The doctor turned away, looking to the floor, guilt across his face. It was at this that Hermes immediately focused on the doctor, looking straight at him.

What?! he shouted.

Ah your legs, Hermes. That crash you were involved in you wont be able to use your legs anymore. Its not that they were crushed, amazingly enough, but the connection between your spine to them well, it doesnt work, and it wont ever work, again. The doctor finally revealed.

Hermes looked at the doctor with wide, unbelieving eyes. Talk about karmic payback, retribution for sins caused.

Ill leave you to it for a little while, Hermes, so you, try to come to terms. If you need any help, just press the button. The doctor finalised, before turning and heading out of the room.

Hermes just drifted into space once more, encapsulated in his thoughts.

A thud signalised the doctors leave, and his new presence in the next corridor.

Well? came another voice from beside the doctor. I trust you told him the news.

I told him what you wanted me to tell him. However, dont expect that Im comfortable with it I understand your reasoning, but as a doctor!

He is a threat. The next figure interrupted. For the welfare of this city, what you just did was absolutely necessary. No more like that child will ever be hurt, again.

OOC: Don't worry about length of post, as long as you keep your writing quality as well as you have so far, then any post is a contribution to this RP.

We're starting to get this off the ground again, let's build up some momentum!

Oh, and I was reading back through the RP the other day - excellent writing, enjoyed the re-read - and realized that I'd posted with Bean and Bark alone, but Ben and James had written that Nack the Weasel was with the two of them. Hence, just assume that Nack was somehow being dragged along by those two killers, and we'll get them involved soon I'd say.

IC:
Susie felt terror in her heart when she saw Eclipse inflicting cruel pain on the impaled enchantress, a horror deeper than anything the enchantress herself had threatened upon them. Was this really the boy she had set out on a magical quest with? The same boy who had kindly helped Caine come to terms with his own situation?

But when Eclipse looked back at her with that same horror, she noticed that his eyes had been different just a moment before. How had they changed? It happened so quickly as she saw him fall to the ground, and her heart flooded with pity as her feet carried her to his side. Her knees fell to the hard-packed bare soil of the barren ground as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders.

It just seemed like the right thing to do.

"I'm sorry..."

"Shush, 'Clips, it's done and past," whispered Susie. "Don't bottle it up, it'll just get rotten inside of you. It's like putting a dead rat inside a shoebox and leaving it under your bed, you can't see it but it starts to stink after a while."

"She speaks truth, young man. You would do well to heed her words."

Susie and Eclipse both looked up at Jayne, being supported by Caine as they approached. The bloody marks etched across her chest by the enchantress's blow were still fresh and red, though they were steadily darkening. "As for the curse, there are two locks on it that must be undone before we can release the knight and lady from their despair," continued the vixen, her breathing steady and her eyes filled with focus.

"Wh-what locks?" asked Eclipse, and Susie turned her full attention to Jayne. She was secretly glad, for a brief moment of clarity, that Jayne had now provided something else for them to focus on besides the awkward nature of Eclipse's cruelty.

"The spell that was used to curse the stag and the tree, was cast to bind the curse to two other things," explained Jayne. "This was done to prevent anyone from undoing the curse on this part of the forest, which has been renamed by the locals 'Shade Forest' on account of the corruption caused here by dark magics. However, with your help, we should be able to end this curse and start the forest back onto the road to recovery."

Eclipse made to get up, and Susie helped him to his feet. His yellow eyes were on Jayne. "How can I help?"

Jayne met his eyes, and for a moment Susie wondered if they were using magic to somehow communicate with their eyes instead of their mouths. Do wizards do that? I wonder what kinds of cool stuff they talk about. Do they talk about regular stuff, or is it all just eye of newt and puppy-dog tails?

"Not your help alone," said Jayne, breaking the silence as she looked at Susie and Caine, the latter looking quite surprised at her glance. "I will need the help of your friends as well."

"Huh?! But I don't know any magic!" exclaimed Susie.

"Magic is not merely to be tapped by magicians alone, Susie," said Jayne as she held her staff in her other hand, shifting her weight to lean on it instead of Caine. "It is a primal force, much like electricity or magnetism or gravity, that is present on Mobius and can be harnessed by anyone with the patience to seek its power. So you can help me as much as Eclipse or Caine can."

"Oh." Susie thought about that for a moment, but then another detail came to her mind and she looked back at Jayne. "But how'd you know our names? We've never met you before."

"I'll explain, after we've dealt with the curse," said Jayne. "And for this part, I shall need you to stand away from me. The first lock lies within the enchantress herself, and I must draw it out and open it. Yes, Caine, that means I will stand without your help, thank you."

The three young people all stepped away as Jayne stood facing the enchantress, whose eyes were clouding over from the pain of the pointed staff through her body. "Enchantress of this forest! You have placed a lock in your heart, and now it must be undone. By these words we shall break the binding magic."

Susie flinched as she saw the enchantress still moving, still breathing, even in such agony as she was in now. Susie didn't really mind if the witch had died - after all, she had threatened to kill them all before. But at the same time, it made her feel cruel to stand back and watch this woman impaled to a tree as she was, like watching a wounded animal, or on a simpler level, looking at a broken toy.

"Do as you will, druid," she rasped, her human form now appearing frail under the grandiose wrappings of her profession. "I will release the lock within me, if you will release me from this pain. End my wretched life and have done with it."

"As you say, it shall be done," answered Jayne, her eyes sharp and commanding as she raised her own staff and stepped forward, pointing its red gemstone tip at the sorceress. "Say goodbye to your life."

Susie gasped as she realized what Jayne was about to do. But now it was too late as a red flash of powerful light shone from the stone at the tip of the gnarled wooden staff, and Jayne gripped the sorceress's staff in her other hand and yanked backward on it before Susie's eyes were blinded by the subsequent flash of light, followed by a loud groan and a thud that reached her sensitive ears.

"Sh-she just-" stuttered Susie, but Eclipse laid a hand on her arm, and she looked up to see Jayne standing with only her staff in hand, helping what looked like an elderly human woman up to her feet, dressed in rags of what once were magnificent clothes. There was no sign of the former enchantress or of the staff that she had borne.

"Where'd she go? And who's that old lady?" whispered Susie to Eclipse. "Is she-"

"That's her," whispered Eclipse back, awed himself as understanding lit his eyes. "She's free of the dark magic that was part of her very being while she was a sorceress, and Jayne healed her wound."

"Now your heart is free," said Jayne, looking at the old crone with a smile, and the woman returned the smile. "Leave here, and never return. You will not die in this forest."

"Thank you," said the old woman gratefully. "I am no longer corrupted by the evil spirit that haunted my mind. I shall find a place to live the rest of my days in peace, if the memories of my past doings allow me peace."

"Life finds a way. Go in peace."

And with that, a woman formerly feared and empowered in the Shade Forest, now freed of both her power and her evil, walked away toward the thickness of the gray trees. But before she left sight of them, she turned and bowed toward Eclipse, Susie and Caine. "I'm...sorry for what I've done. I hope you can forgive me for threatening you."

Susie nodded quickly. "Yeah, it's okay! I mean, no harm done, right? All's well that ends well?"

Caine also nodded, though slowly. Susie looked to Eclipse, and was surprised to see the tears in his eyes. "C-can you forgive me?"

The old woman gave Eclipse a wrinkled smile. "I can, if you can forgive yourself. See you, dears." And with those last words, she departed into the woods.

Cipher suddenly let out a gasp and brought a hand to his chest, his face drawn tight in pain.

"Not the best time to die on us," commented Wraith with a cold smirk as the one-eyed mouse seemed to recover from his short spasm.

"Not a heart attack...as a magician, I am tied to a network of power. I just felt some of that power surge, and then lift away, as if someone just cut a connection. It was mostly a surprise, nothing more."

"Glad you're with us for a while longer. I could have found the dragon without your help, now that you've told me how far away the creature is, but you haven't mentioned what direction just yet."

Cipher nodded. "I have already warned you to the danger; it is now your responsibility to take what you have learned about the Emeralds, and empower yourself. You must embrace your emotions and desires and release them through the Emerald's might if you are to defeat the dragon. If you are as powerful and daring as you claim, then we shall see if you are suited to collecting other Emeralds, or whether you will die."

"The direction, old man."

"...it is to the north of this forest. It is several days travel, at least for normal Mobians."

"But as you already are aware, geezer, my superior is no ordinary Mobian!" said Roody with that peculiarly-disturbing wide grin as he hovered in the air nearby.

"And with my abilities, we'll be there within the hour," stated Wraith as he reached out and grabbed Cipher's arm. "Now hold tightly. Traveling at my kind of speed is something not even you have experienced before, old man."

Without another word, Wraith bursted away with Roody clinging tightly to his shoulder and Cipher desperately clinging to his arm as the trees began whizzing past them. By Mobius, he's right! This speed is incredible!...and he's going even faster now!

Such was the traveling of this motley trio as they made out of the forest and began climbing the mountains and glaciers...unaware that the object of their search, the ice dragon, was all too ready for their arrival...

"There is darker, deeper magic at work behind this," said Jayne, interrupting the silence that had fallen as the crone left. "Someone was supplying that woman with dark magic to watch over this forest, as if to keep someone or something hidden from the rest of the world."

"You mean, the enchantress wasn't the source of this corruption?" asked Eclipse, having collected himself from earlier.

"She created this corruption, but someone was giving her power to do so. What I just did cut off her magic so she is unable to draw on that power, so she is no longer corrupting this area. However..."

Jayne turned to the nearby stag and tree, pointing to the sword stuck into the tree as the stag looked tiredly up at the group again. "This is the other lock, and the other source of corruption. The sorceress invested a great deal of her power into preventing these two from leaving the forest, and I believe that if we release them, we will discover the true reason why the enchantress was first inspired by darker powers."

She turned to the three. "Now you must help me. As you know, the reason the curse was not lifted before is because the knight could not withdraw the sword from his beloved, due to the shape of his form."

"He couldn't grasp the sword with his hooves," said Caine, sounding thoughtful.

"Very good. So, what we must do is-"

"Just pull out the sword, right?" asked Susie as she stepped forward, her hand reaching out to the hilt. "That's easy, I can do that!"

Jayne held her tongue as the impulsive tigergirl leapt forward toward the blade stuck in the tree, and watched impassively as Susie grabbed the hilt of the sword, and pulled. And pulled. And pulled...

"Whew, this sword is in here ti-YIKE!" Susie released the sword with a yelp as a spark snapped at her from the hilt.

"As you can see, the sorceress made it so that the stag could not remove it even if he figured out that he could try with his teeth," explained Jayne as Susie shook her hand wildly and blew on it from the stinging heat it had suffered. "The curse is deep and old, and so we must draw the sword through another power...one far older than any dark magic, and far stronger."

"So what can we do?" asked Eclipse.

"Eclipse, come and stand on this side of the sword, and Susie, come and stand opposite of him on this side. Yes, like that. Caine, stand in front of the sword. Eclipse, take Susie by the left hand with your right, and then both of you place your free hands onto the sword hilt when I tell you to. Caine, put your left hand onto Eclipse's shoulder now, and your right onto Susie's."

The three young teens were puzzled by these sorts of directions, but they followed them to the letter and now stood around the sword as it was stabbed into the gray old bark of the tree, which still bled into the nearby river that had become dark and corrupted by this magic.

Susie looked across at Eclipse, whose gaze had turned back to Jayne for their next instructions. He's kinda cute when he's thinking, she thought with a note of happiness, not aware that her thought ran much deeper in her mind.

"Now, Susie, Eclipse, I need you to look each other in the eyes, and think of the warmest memory, or image, or person that makes you think of love. Caine, do your best to imagine what love is as well, and do not let go of the others no matter what. Then Susie, Eclipse, pull as hard as you can on the hilt of the sword while still focusing on those thoughts."

Susie blinked, and when her eyelids opened, there was Eclipse looking back at her. Something inside of Susie burned, and her cheeks felt warm as she looked back into those large yellow eyes with her own mismatched pair, one steely and bright while the other was a distinct purple. His eyes kinda look like gold, thought Susie.

"Concentrate, Susie! Don't be distracted for a moment! Now, put your hands onto the sword, and pull!"

Oh right! Um...let me think, what is it that makes me think of love? Susie asked herself as she and Eclipse put their free hands onto the hilt of the sword, their fingers overlapping each other as they did so. Boss kinda reminds me of it, he took care of me when he picked me up off the streets...I never knew my parents. I had a lot of friends growing up, but I don't know if I'd say I love them...

But the more she looked into Eclipse's eyes, the more she found herself thinking of him, of how they had first met and had traveled up to the current point. Simultaneously, their grip tightened, and Susie felt the spark again, this time arcing through her, Eclipse, and Caine. But instead of hurting, it felt as if the burning inside of her chest had increased in strength, and it felt as if her heart was so full that it was about to burst. Then, without even thinking about it, she and Eclipse pulled on the sword, and it slid smoothly out!

Just as this happened, a burst of light shot out from the bloody hole in the side of the tree. This light struck Caine in the chest, causing him to gasp and stagger back a few steps before holding out his hands. At the very same moment, the tree and the stag both glowed as if illuminated from the inside, and they became white blurs as their shapes morphed and shifted.

Susie watched with Eclipse and Caine, mystified and entranced as they saw the tree turn into a beautiful young woman, and the stag become a handsome young man, both dressed in clothing that appeared to be from Mobius's age of chivalry and knighthood. The light flew from the pair and into the river, following the path of the blood trail and clearing it away until the river flowed crystal clear once again. Then the light burst out over the entire forest, and the trees grew in fast-forward from their deathly state to full summer bloom.

Jayne stood back, watching with a bit of amusement despite herself. They will find out about the power of love on their own, someday. But this was good for them to see, for this may be what ultimately saves Mobius.

"We...we broke the curse," said Eclipse in disbelief as he stared at the knight and lady. "Caine, are you seeing what I'm-"

Eclipse cut himself off as he turned to look at Caine. The cerulean hedgehog's eyes reflected the glow of a shining green gemstone in his hands, a glow filled with deep power that made Eclipse's skin tingle.

"That is why the enchantress was allowed to patrol this part of the forest," said Jayne as she came forward, her own eyes attracted by the crystal's green light. "She was keeping guard over this Chaos Emerald."

Taffy had been distracted by her past when they had first gotten onto the train. She felt good that they had obtained two of the Chaos Emeralds and were that much closer to accomplishing their quest, but being back in Danberg only reminded her of why she had not previously returned there.

Too many old memories, she sighed to herself as the face of a young human male flashed in her mind's eye, smiling at her before her vision returned to the train they were riding. And too much baggage for this train to be carrying.

And at first, she'd been so lost in thought that it took her by surprise when the newcomer came aboard just as they were leaving. But now that he had asked his question, she felt a certain duty in introducing herself to him. As much as she hated the idea, she was looked to as the leader for this group, and now she felt responsible for this newcomer as well.

Taffy got up from her seat, keeping her backpack with her as she walked back down the aisle toward the canine. She stood next to his seat, looking down at his downcast expression and trying to tell how much danger was coming from this man.

There was danger there; there was danger from most things. But at least to her, she was not immediately threatened. If this guy was an agent of the Combine, his bad intentions alone would at least set off my danger sense, she thought.

"Look, you'll have to excuse me and my friends - we just went through nearly getting shot to pieces yesterday, and we're all a little on edge from that," said Taffy, trying to smooth over the welcome that thus far the canine had received. She even managed to put a half-way decent smile on her face, or at least she hoped it was. She hadn't exactly gotten a lot of practice. "I'm Taffy Tanner. What's your name, stranger?"

New post because this is dying and I dunno why. Maybe my last post was too long. Or too short. The comic is cool though.

OOC:

Ugh, I'm so very sorry Tergonaut, and everybody, it's my fault that things haven't really moved.

i claim full responsibility, as i did mention on numerous occasions that i had ideas and was ready to post them a.s.a.p, but alas i haven't gotten around to it.

The reason? homework kills creativity. Honestly, i haven't been able to get around to writing anything decent for so long because i've either started something that has turned out mediocre at best, or i have just not enough time.

Mostly the latter i'm afraid. I'm currently entering my second week of school holidays, but i barely would all what i have experienced thus far as 'holidays' in the least, it has been more like 'school at home' with the absolutely ridiculous amount of work i, as well as many other people in my year level, have been given to do as homework. This can be expected from your final year of highschool i understand, but there are times when it gets so out of hand i find myself constantly repeating the same mind-numbing questions in my head regarding our education system, such as "why the hell do i need to learn this crap in maths if i'm NEVER GOING TO USE IT?", because for some reason *coughgovernmentfundingcough* the art course for video games that i am interested in demands maths methods as a pre-requisite. ugh.

Enough of my rambling, i just wanted to ask of everyone to do their best to proceed the roleplay as it stands, and not to lose interest. I have so much in store for everyone, and it would be a shame to see it passed up, but i really need time. I know everyone has been patient enough with me before, but please try to understand that this is my final year of highschool where my grades will really count, and i can't afford to place too many recreational things in front of my work, despite how much i would like to.

Some really good news is that i have been working particularly hard this past week so that i may have some free time available over most of this new week, so it's likely that i'll be able to post sometime within it.

Once again, i apologise to everyone, particularly Tergonaut whom i discussed my ideas with and urged to post so that i may progress the roleplay, i'm so very sorry that i didn't hold up my end of the bargain as planned.

Rest assured, everyone's patience will reap some very interesting rewards, i still stand by my ideals when i say that i have some things planned for everyone...

OOC: Dont worry about it, James, its perfectly understandable. School work and work in general kills a lot of motivation and can shoot creativity right through the foot. Ive been feeling the same way lately, although admittedly I havent had nearly as much work as you, I still feel tired and unable to muster enough creativity to write something worthwhile, and this has occurred in all the RPs I am a part of.

IC:
Train-First Carriage

Clint sheepishly looked upwards and towards the face of Taffy. Normally, he would have instantly replied with a comment that would have been sure to make her blush, but hesitated. He turned away from her back to the ground again, and then looked up at her again.

Clint Dethiel, the dog replied. As he shifted uncomfortably, the chains that were linked across a belt from his hip to his opposite shoulder jingled. They werent usual chains, but rather linking chains, used to connect ropes in mountain climbing. His appearance was certainly not normal. sorry to have bumped onto your private carriage.

Taffy smiled, and shook her head from side to side. I think I can speak with the majority of the group that its okay, after all, theres plenty of room on here.

Clint slowly nodded. thanks. However

Taffys eyes widened, intrigued. She gently tilted her head to the side in response. Clint looked up at her, and then quickly looked away again. nothing, forget I said anything, please.

OOC:

Im just going to get straight into the post and save everyone the endless banter on my part. VCE is annoying, and adequate free time is scarce. I hope I can try harder.

Hope this helps move things along.

IC:

"We...we broke the curse," said Eclipse in disbelief as he stared at the knight and lady. "Caine, are you seeing what I'm-"

Eclipse cut himself off as he turned to look at Caine. The cerulean hedgehog's eyes reflected the glow of a shining green gemstone in his hands, a glow filled with deep power that made Eclipse's skin tingle.

"That is why the enchantress was allowed to patrol this part of the forest," said Jayne as she came forward, her own eyes attracted by the crystal's green light. "She was keeping guard over this Chaos Emerald."

Caine stared wide-eyed at the emerald within his grasp, its vibrant green light reflecting off his fur and casting an aura of tranquil energy about him.

This started Caine without taking his eyes off the emerald, this is incredible

His gaze was diverted from the emerald only when he heard an unfamiliar voice.

my love? ushered the knight, completely transformed from his former state as a gruff animal of the forest, into a gallant man, strong in stature.

The lady to whom which he spoke was moving her arms in disbelief, the simple pleasures of mobility were so alien to her after having been in the form of a wretched tree for so long, yet the feeling was also familiar to her in a vague sense.

Her eyes were instantly drawn towards the knight and her face instantly lit up,
Am I are we really here? Together, after all these years?

Tears of joy began to well up in the eyes of the re-united, they joined hands and ceremoniously stepped closer to each-other.

yes my love said the knight with un-wavering gaze into her eyes, I have always been here, I swore never to-

-you swore never to leave my side, the lady finished for him, tears of joy sliding down her cheeks and past a smile that had not been seen for ages, I knew even though I could not see, I always knew you were here with me my champion.

The two of them laughed through sobs of happiness as they embraced, their scattered tears sparkled with a radiance that couldve matched the brilliance of the emerald, even if only for a mere second.

Caine felt uneasy as he approached Susie and Eclipse as they appeared to be overseeing the re-united couple embracing in each-others arms after so much time of separation.

Eclipse couldnt help but smile like a child as he witnessed the act of compassion before him, compelling him to turn toward Susie, who stood right beside him and appeared to be sharing the same reaction he was, she even turned toward him as well.

Some strange connection happened between the two, causing them to giggle and leap into each-others open arms while laughing and chanting, We did it! We did it!

Though that only laster for a mere few seconds as both of them unceremoniously recoiled from each-other and turned feeling very red in the face as well as a tad confused.

Caine caught a glimpse of the whole thing and decided to look away quite early after finding himself feeling uncomfortable. Somehow, the smooth reflective surface of the emerald was a soothing refuge for his eyes, and that glow, something about it made the fur embalmed within it, tingle and sway, as if his very being was being ever so softly drawn into the center of the gem itself.

The knight and lady were still within each-others arms as they were smiling and looking into the others eyes. They both turned toward the group of mobians and withdrew from their embrace, keeping an arm around each-other as they formally faced their company.

They both looked immediately at Jayne before the knight bowed his head down toward her,
Benevolent Druid of the forest, my gratitude to you is boundless!

We will forever be in your debt good lady, said the knights partner before bowing her head also, I am afraid we may never be able to repay you.

Jayne waved a hand to them, politely dismissing their bows, And I do not expect payment of any sort, after all my friends did obtain their artefact through the lifting of the curse anyway, what is important is that you are now free to carry out the rest of your lives together, though I must warn you, it is a strange new world that you live in now, and it will not be easy to grow accustom, though I trust you will find a way together.

absolutely said the couple in unison.

but said Jayne with a wavering finger, if you feel that you would like to do something in return, you can do for me one service.

Anything you may wish! said the knight in a heart tone.

Jayne smiled and waved her arm to direct the gaze of the knight and lady onto Caine, Susie and Eclipse, you may show your gratitude and respect to these fine young ones, for it isnt my power that was able to free you, only my instruction. These gifted children are indeed the ones who lifted the curse and fought back the sorceress with their bare hands, it is they who you should truly be in debt to.

It wasnt long before handshakes from the knight and hugs from the lady were being traded to Caine, Susie and Eclipse.

You have my solemn promise as a knight, that I shall never forget your efforts in uniting me with my beloved, a thousand thanks young lad!

Eclipses whole body moved with each shake of the knights massive hand.

S-sure, youre, v-very welcome! said Eclipse whilst shaking up and down.

Caine was red in the face as the lady held him in her arms, cradling and hugging him like a baby as she talked to Susie.

You must have braved so many dangers to get here! You truly are a real testament to the might of women amongst adventurers.

Susie scratched the back of her head and shyly rubbed her foot into the ground before replying, aw, it was no big deal, really

The lady then turned to Caine and pressed her nose against his,
And dont think I am not grateful for your contributions too, you are such a kind young man.

Caine almost curled up into a ball as he replied,
uhhmm th-thankyou?

Jayne looked uneasily into the distance of the forest as her keen senses caught wind of something that caused her to speak up before the group,
My apologies for cutting this gathering so short, but I am afraid that these young ones must be on their way. A treacherous path lies up ahead for them yet.

Both the knight and the lady nodded in compliance and stood with an arm around each-other once again.

Though I am unsure of how many years longer my love and I can spend in this world, I know that no matter how long that may be or how different our lives may become, that we will always remember you, all of you. said the knight.

Yes, and though you have acquired that treasure that you have sought after, we cannot help but still feel indebted to you all. Said the lady.

The knight then raised his head and his eyes lit up once more,
ah, but yes, perhaps there is yet another way of thanks we can give you

The knight tenderly let go of his partner and walked over to the sword that lay on the ground after the curse was lifted. Though it had been bound by dark magic for so very long, the blade itself was still a shining symbol of courage and valour as he had always known it to be during his travels. The shining metals that composed the knights magnificent weapon werent dulled in the slightest even after all these years, somehow preserved by the enchantment just as his body had been preserved from age during his time as a stag.

Carefully, he placed the sword in the sheath and removed the belt that held it from his torso. He then knelt down before the mobian teens and presented the sword in its sheath with both hands, bowing his head before his speech.

Though it was said that only a knight may wield a sword of such beautiful craft, I see no king before us to grant you all the honour of knighthood. Thus I see it fit within myself to believe you all to be worthy of accepting my weapon in my stead.

Caine, Susie and Eclipse were taken aback by surprise as the weapon was offered to them.

The knight raised his head and smiled at them, As a knight bound by honour, I present to you my very own sword, it has served me well in my time, and I hope that it does the same for you on your quest.

we, uhh Caine was at a loss for words.

Eclipse shook his head, No, we cant take that, thats your weapon, such a piece of craft is much too personal to just give away.

Thats right! agreed Susie, subconsciously placing a hand on Eclipses shoulder as she talked, causing him to freeze up.
We already got the emerald, thats plenty already, you dont need to do that!

The knight urged the sword to them, No, please, do not feel encumbered by guilt, it is of no greed to accept my gift.

Think of it as our last request to you said the lady.

The knight nodded yes, please. Though it is removed of all curses now, it is still a useful item, and I would rather it be put to good use than be within my possession, for I doubt that I will ever be able to gaze upon this sword the same way again knowing that it once had been used to wound my beloved.

You would be doing us a service by accepting it. Finished the lady.

The trio of mobian teens looked at each-other before Eclipse spoke up on their behalf,
alright, thank you very much he felt it appropriate to bow, we graciously accept your gift, sir and madam.

Susie smiled as she saw Eclipse accept the sword, Such a gentleman thats cute.

Eclipse turned to Caine and Susie as he held the sword, though it wasnt a particularly large sword by human standards, it was at least as tall as a mobian, with the belt strap being more useful as a shoulder-mounted hold.

Eclipses ears lowered as he held the weapon, I I dont feel comfortable being in the possession of such an object after all, I was raised as a magician, not a swordsman I can defend myself without such a thing.

Caines hands clasped around the emerald and he shook his head toward Eclipse, I dont want it either, it looks to be much too large for me anyhow. I doubt I would be able to use it.

That leaves you mlady. Said the knight in a heart tone to Susie.

Susie looked uneasily at the sword and then up at Eclipse. A series of thoughts stirred within her mind as she considered her next action:

A sword? Those things are for guys, they usually like big sharp objects that bring hurt, why would I want that?

The sword is pretty though, I bet it would sell for a lot!

Wait, I gotta stop thinking about money, bad Susie, BAD! That sword will be useful in protecting ourselves.

We have a lot to protect ourselves from, and so far its been up to poor Clips to use his magic tricks to defend us

I can defend myself any time I want though to help out the whole group itd be better if I was armed should I take the thing?

If I take it, I can help out more than I could before, I could make sure Clips doesnt have to do all the fighting for me I want to help

I want to protect him and Caine

Cusies face contorted into a look of determination as she looked down at the sword and snatched it up, instantly wrapping the harness around her and holding the sword on her back, looking up at the group as she finished and giving a cheesy grin followed by a wink,
now were in business! There aint going to be any more meanies pushing ME around!

The group laughed together along with the knight and lady as Jayne watched them all.

A secret smile came over Jayne as she could feel the lifted spirits of the group of friendly faces before her, it was good to see such happiness and determination in a time of coming darkness

---

Dag, blast it! muttered the train driver as he fidgeted with some meters and levers on the control panel before him.

Though the train that they were riding within was merely decorated to be a replica of a charming steam train, the controls were still a tad fiddly, and not to the liking of this old walrus who was more accustomed to the real deal.

I coulda sworn I just saw the meter jum- there! It did it again! Hows that possible, the speed aint changin one bit! Oh wait thats for somethin else con, sarnit! Which one of these dang meters is the one Im lookin for!

He stopped what he was doing and turned around as he heard a loud thump come from behind him, hitching his pants up from behind in reaction as he did so.

He saw before him, three teenagers.

Hey now! You kids aint allowed here! You all go and mosey on back to the passenger carriage before-

he stopped and adjusted his glasses as he looked at the three.

what in tarnation happened to all yall eye-

he was cut off as a gargantuan thick-scaled fist smacked down over his head, rendering him unconscious.

-

Taffy smiled, and shook her head from side to side. I think I can speak with the majority of the group that its okay, after all, theres plenty of room on here.

Clint slowly nodded. thanks. However

Taffys eyes widened, intrigued. She gently tilted her head to the side in response. Clint looked up at her, and then quickly looked away again. nothing, forget I said anything, please.

Taffy was about to say something in reply but instead found herself flying forwards as the whole train shook to a halt.

Many of the others tumbled over as well, including Max, who had been shaken out of a nap and was now cursing like crazy.

Alex had managed to react in time and had re-gained his balance faster than anyone. He looked around and his eyes met with Taffys as a curious look came over his face,
Was that supposed to happen? he asked.

Eckli had been napping while being cradled in Karis arms, but had now hopped up onto the top of a seat and was looking about while growling.
Zephron and Kari helped each-other up before looking around as well.

Lena was crammed against a window, she looked outside before turning back, we arent anywhere near another city yet, were still in the countryside!

Taffy got up to her feet and rubbed a spot on the back of her head that she bumped during her tumble, no Alex, that wasnt supposed to happen, we definitely arent there yet-

and even if we were... interrupted Clint, whos hands were still dug into the upholstery of his seat, the train wouldnt just stop so suddenly, we didnt even slow down there!

The group gathered together as they exchanged confused glances and the odd snide remark here and there, most particularly from Max, Zephron and Factor.

ALRIGHT! taffy screamed, silencing the group, I propose we go and see what the problem is with the driver himself, were doing no good just standing around here, wondering why our train isnt moving.

The others nodded in agreement and in some cases, gave grunts of acknowledgement.

Just as Taffy and a few others turned around to walk toward the front of the train, a screeching noise came over the carriages speakers, causing everyone to clasp their hands over their ears.

screeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.-TESTING! TESTING! LALALALALALALA! a voice soon emerged from the unbearable sound, though the voice itself was quite screechy in its own right and rather annoying.

The group exchanged glances as they listened intently for more strange communications.

A sound like laughter came over the speakers, hahahahaha, this is your new captain speaking! A note to all passengers, we will no longer by hosting any limbo tournaments or on-board karate classes, instead we bring you something a bit different

And with that, the voice was gone, a buzzing sound signalled the end of the communications over the speakers.

what. the. Hell? muttered Max, breaking the confused silence amongst the group.

new captain? asked Kari, not particularly to anyone.

Max tapped Taffy on the shoulder, Taffy, who was that man? Was that the person who drives the train?

Taffy shook her head, I dont think so somethings up.

The group stopped and turned their gaze to a door at the end of their carriage that led to the front of the train, the gold furnished door handle was turning slowly.

Maxs hand danced over his holster, Alex drew his bow and had a hand on standby to reach into his quiver, all of the group went into battle stances as a nervous reaction, they had all by now seen enough unexpected surprises come to them in the form of someone or something with intent to do them all harm, so battle stances were the first thing that came to mind as a means of preparation.

The stranger Clint, didnt get into a battle stance until a second or so after the others, though it could be seen that he too was disturbed by the turn of events.

Slowly, slowly the door handle turned, until a click was heard, and the door began to creak open.

After only opening a mere inch, the door suddenly swung open as three mobian teenagers appeared through the door and into their end of the carriage in what seemed like a blur.

The heroes were taken aback as they lay eyes upon the teenagers before them, their appearance was somewhat normal for mobians their age, though one consistent feature on the three of them made their appearance very different.
They each had one glowing eye, an eye that had no pupil or iris, a disfigured facial feature that seemed to be constantly exhuming some form of coloured vapour.

Greetings, and salutations. Said the one standing in the middle, a male Jackal.

The Freedom Fighters remained silent, unsure of what to say. Well, all except Max, who, in his limitless wisdom, decided to say:
Whats with those crazy-ass eyes?

the intruder standing on the left within the trio, a male dragonfly, scoffed you aint no beauty contest winner yourself there, hedgie-features!

pfft! muttered the intruder standing on the right, a female ferret, pointing at Max, that ones so rude.

The Jackal shrugged in compliance, You sound as if you are sorely disappointed, honestly what were you expecting?

Max was about to speak again before Taffy placed a hand over his mouth and stared with steely eyes at the intruders, Were you responsible for stopping the train? Wheres the driver?

The dragonfly began to snicker immaturely,
Yeah, that was us! Gotcha didnt we? Oh, and dont worry about the driver, hes just taking a nap, besides, Im the new captain! Didnt you hear me up on the loudspeak-ARGH!

The ferret withdrew her hand after clonking her associate over the head, Will you drop it already? It wasnt funny the first time, and it isnt funny now!

Alex walked up and stood beside taffy, making sure the intruders could clearly see that he was ready with a weapon,
State your names, and your intentions! he commanded, taking a step in front of Taffy, protectively.

The jackal chuckled lightly,
My my, such a temper, but it is true that we have been rude in not introducing ourselves he gingerly raised a hand out from behind himself and pressed it against his chest, my name is Xeno, and these are my associates

his hand waved over to the ferret,
this is Pandora

pleasure, Im sure she said with a sly grin.

and I am sure you are by now quite well acquainted with Aolus here said Xeno while waving his hand in the direction of the dragonfly, who acknowledged the group with a mocking salute.

Xeno gave a fang-toothed smile, and our intentions? Why, to meet you all of course, the famed heroes who brought down a Combine base of operations with their bare hands!

Howd you know about that? Are you from Danberg? asked Taffy.

Danberg? That sorry excuse for a refuge of development? Hardly! said Pandora with a flick of her hair.

How could we NOT know about your exploits in Danberg? said Xeno, still smiling, what you did was quite an achievement, and word spreads quite quickly when it concerns acts of heroism these days

You could even say, were fans of your work said Aolus.

Factor raised an eyebrow, fans?

Of course! said Xeno, raising his hands for emphasis, after all, we share something in common, you and us.

stop talking in riddles, what is it you want? said Taffy, surprising herself with how direct she was being.

tsk tsk tsk! mocked Aolus, waving a finger.

Xeno stretched before speaking, Well, when I say share something in common, I am of course speaking of gifts.

The group looked over at the three intruders with inquisitive expressions.

that is, it obviously takes a gifted group of individuals to take down an organised base of operations such as those under control of the Combine, gifts that go beyond physical prowess

And it just so happens, cut-in Pandora, pointing at her fluorescent disfigured eye, were gifted too.

Indeed said Xeno, And upon hearing that there are others whom possess powers like our own, it only came natural to us to feel honoured to be among such privileged, and noble individuals

Aolus snickered again. as well as makin us want to meet you guys so we can test our mettles against ya!

That made Taffy and company tense their stances and further ready their weapons.

Xeno shook his head at his associate, Really Aolus, you make it sound like we intend to do them harm!

but we DO intend to do them harm, dont we? whined Aolus.

yeah, said Pandora, but that doesnt mean you have to make it so obvious.

oh well shrugged Xeno, stretching his arm out toward Taffy and company, causing them to flinch. He smiled as he uttered some magic words,
Tyrio Predor

Right before their eyes, Xenos arm began to warp and shift, his clothing melting into his arm, and becoming a single morphing extension of his body. Like clay, the arm began to stretch and mould itself into a different shape, though seemingly gaining mass as it did so, yellow rune-discs appearing out of thin air and encircling the arm as it shifted.

The result of the transformation left Xeno with a monstrous thick-skinned dark green arm without a hand on the end, but rather a large bulb composed of even thicker skin and dozens of large blunt bone lumps, making it more closely resemble a living mace than an arm.

Xenos smile widened as he witnessed the shock and horror on the faces of his newly designated opponents,
Come now Heroes! Lets put on a show together, a show unlike any other, a show just for ourselves that breaks all the rules! Like say placing our fireworks, at the BEGINNING of the show

He gave a signalling nod to Pandora, who nodded and smirked in compliance before casually raising her right hand and she clicked her fingers.

A split-second after doing so, glowing red runes materialised into existence along random spots on the walls of the carriage. The runes flashed bright orange once before immediately erupting into jets of searing flames.

The freedom fighters barely managed to duck in time to avoid being singed completely by a series of blazing pyres right above their heads. They could already feel the temperature of the carriage rising as the heat escalated by an insane amount.

Several of the jets burned out almost instantaneously after being initially summoned, though others still remained, and showed no signs of calming.

Thick smoke began to choke the room, but somehow was gathering at the end where the intruders had stood.

Alex looked up and tried his best to see through all the thick smoke, but could not make out the current positions of the ones who caused all this. Though his curiosity was short-lived as soon as he saw the trio emerge, rushing out from their smoky shroud and diving straight for his current location amongst his friends.

MOVE! shouted Alex, the whole group reacted in time to dodge the crushing force of Xenos mutated arm as it swung down full-force onto their last position.

Pandora landed on her feet and skidded along the ground, uttering words for a spell,
Framina Ignis
causing her right hand, to glow with orange and red energy, and she tapped at the ground, placing a row of magical runes in her wake, that glowed for a brief moment, and then sunk into the surface, like land-mines.

Aolus took to the air, and zoomed through one of the windows, smashing the glass in his wake. He flew around the exterior of the train and aimed an open palm toward a mass of opponents, in his sights.
Kythilos Kedel!
a sickening mass of green energy manifested into his palm, and materialised into a glob of green goo, which projected itself a foot in front of him, before exploding into a shotgun-like spray of high-velocity acid droplets on a straight collision course with the carriages side.

Windows smashed, and areas of the carriages exterior began to burn and melt away. Zephron was unlucky and caught a spray of the acid on his left wing, creating a burning sensation that made him drop to the ground and double stumble over in stinging pain.

In all the chaos, Taffy had dropped to the ground to avoid the incoming spray of acid, and then immediately had to leap backwards as a magical rune appeared right at her feet and caused a jet of flame to burst upright into the air, flames licking at the ceiling.

As she leapt backwards, she felt a thump on her back as she collided with something. Before she could turn to see what it was, an oversized crab-like claw clasped around her neck.

She struggled with the claw as Xeno leant forward and whispered into her ear,
Before I rudely forget to mention it, my associates and I like to go by, the Cyclopi

Taffy grunted as the grip around her neck tightened.

Xeno smiled, Not that it will matter to you in a few seconds

---

OOC:

And there we have it, the latest post from me, and hopefully a decent plot-mover.

Id love to write a better de-briefing, but its currently 5:11AM over here, so I think I shall retire for the night.

I hope everyone enjoyed that as much as I did writing it!

OOC: Man, James, that post was intense. It was a bloody great introduction meeting between the FFs and the new enemies, and it was handled superbly. Definitely gave me inspiration ti write this post as soon as I read your latest addition. Fantastic.

IC:
Clint ducked behind the seat that was able to offer him protection, kneeling inbetween where he was once sitting. The train carriage was not enough space for them to possibly fight within; for their enemies it gave them more then enough strength to continually take their opponents by surprise, whilst for the Freedom Fighters, it would only serve to inconvenience them. There were so many of them, that they stumble in the way of each other.

A chunk of debris passed over his head as Clint hid from the rampaging fight; tightly holding himself.

What the hell is this? What the hell are these guys doing? Clint thought to themselves. They said they wanted to fight because they wanted to test their mettle? What the hell does that even mean, and to do it here? Ugh!

Clints eyes widened, as in the corner of his eye he saw something come flying down towards him. Moving on reflex, Clint narrowly dodged a splatter of acid from Aolus. He stopped, and stared as the green goo devoured and disintegrated the flooring; smoke rising up and leaving a barren hole. From this, Clint could see the solid ground below. Still crouching, his body rocked slowly as fear began to swell up within him.

Clint Clint! Hang in there, son. Dont worry, everythings okay. Just take a step at a time, okay? Dont worry, your dads here to help you, okay?

Calm down, son, dont worry. Dads here, I wont ever leave you. Ill help you, so dont worry, okay

Clint panted heavily, as his field of vision returned to reality. What he had just experienced was not of now but of a time long ago. He gritted his teeth, he had to do something now. He couldnt expect these people to save him, they could barely save themselves. Clint darted out of the nearby smashed window and onto the firm solid ground outside, immediately looking upwards for the circling aerial dragonfly. He tightened his fists, as his eyes continued to walk the circling Dragonfly whos twisted arm continued to fire falling acid.

Its time you got served detention! Clint shouted aloud, swinging his arms upwards and throwing two strands of rope into the sky that escaped from outside Clints sleeves, quickly shooting into the sky until they caught onto Aolus. Before Aolus could react to what had just transpired, the falling pieces of ropes which were weighed down by two knots felt back into Clints grasp. Aolus looked down into Clints eyes with surprise, blinking rapidly, seeing anger spark within the dogs eyes.

With a sharp tug, Clint swung his arms downwards, bringing the dragonfly to fall down in a long arc as the ropes trapping him brought him back down to the ground.

Train-First Carriage

Alex coughed a fit as he tried to pick himself off the ground. His senses were fried and he didnt know how to react. As he shakily stood up, his eyes darted all over the carriage to see who he should help first. At once, his eyes set upon the threatened Taffy. She was being held up against her will by Xeno, who looked to set to decapitate her at any passing moment.

Ta-taffy! Alex screamed, lurching forwards with his bow in his hand as he struggled on shaky feet to near her and help her, but was unexpectedly blown back by the force of one of Pandoras mines. The blast narrowly missed completely engulfing Alex, but singed and set aflame the edge of his foot that touched it, and the remainder of the force hurtled Alex backwards.

Fortunately for the other Freedom Fighters, he didnt crash into them. Instead, he hurtled down the rest of the carriage and slammed into the outer door, through it and into the door of the second carriage, coming to a loud and painful skid and final crash against the far inner wall of the second carriage. Dust and smoke was scattered as pieces of wood splintered off, and the carriages passengers all suddenly got up and looked towards the knocked down Alex in shock and surprise.

The passengers screamed out in surprise and confusion, before one of them pointed through the open gap Alex had come through, and the carnage that was being wrought in the first carriage. Fear mounting, the passengers all turned to the exits and pushed their way through it, escaping in whatever manner they could.

Tataffy Alex groggily spoke aloud. His vision was hazy and the back of his head was bleeding. He used his bow as a support to slowly pick himself up, and shaking, try to keep his feet standing whilst the ground seemed to rotate and spin around him.

OOC: I'll post more toward Cipher/Wraith and Susie/Caine/Eclipse later, this is my offering for now.

EDIT: As promised, and now delivering, the continuation of the epic! With Wraith preparing to face the ice dragon in the fierce cold wastes, and Eclipse, Susie and Caine now hearing Jayne's side of the Emerald story...

IC:
Taffy wanted to scream from the intense pain crushing her neck, but her lungs burned without air to give. The situation looked grim, her friends were scattered and under attack, and she felt like her head was about to pop free of her body. The colors seemed to go all gray from everything she saw, and she closed her eyes tightly when the world span around her.

But she felt the Chaos Emeralds pressed up against her back through the backpack, and through the haze of pain, she realized she was being held very closely by the magician - and that gave her a wild and desperate hope that her body acted on before her brain could formulate a strategy.

With the last amounts of strength she felt she had left, the raccoon girl raised her right leg and thrust her foot backward.

THUMP.

A cry of masculine agony met her ears as she dropped to the floor, the pressure released from her neck. Even mutants have their weak spots, thought Taffy with a note of satisfaction as she scrambled away, gasping for breath but not daring to stop until she threw herself behind one of the seats.

Air flooded her lungs, sweet, lovely air that healed that deadly burning. And with the air came coughing, spasms of the body to remove the carbon dioxide bottled up inside. Her eyes opened again, and she could see everything in a more proper hue, though smoke now clouded some parts of the train car.

Nearby, Taffy could hear some of the others fighting, but the raccoon's bright blue eyes happened to fall upon the briefcases of weapons given to them earlier as a gift from the people of Danberg. Before, she hadn't been willing to take a weapon; she had no experience with them and would be wasting her time.

But at this range, a gun is a lot better than trying to go toe-to-toe with one of those punks, thought Taffy as she reached out, fumbling with the suitcase clasps. They snapped open, and the top of the suitcase flipped upright.

Grabbing the first pistol without really looking at it, she pushed herself up her to feet and whirled around, stepping out from behind the seat and peering through the smoke, trying to find one of the mages. The gun felt heavy and awkward in her hand, but at least she was breathing and on her feet now, and that was an awful lot better than she had been doing before.

"Lena!" shouted Taffy as she saw her fairy friend cast a magic spell just in the nick of time to block one of the jets of flame with a shield of water. But as soon as the word left her lips, she heard a heavy footstep behind her, and she felt herself picked up as the world revolved around her once again.

"This is for that kick," she heard hissed into her ear, and she screamed as she was swung around and thrown through the length of the train car through the doorway that led to the train engine, crashing into the engine room and sliding until she slammed up against the engine itself.

She felt her fingers sliding away from the gun in her hands, and all energy seemed gone as she fought to keep her senses open. The motion of the train underneath her, and the feeling of a lever at her elbow - these did not seem significant, even as suddenly the engine somehow disconnected itself from the rest of the train and began pulling away. Her vision was failing now, but she heard Alex shouting her name, and thought she saw him leap through the smoke and chaos to land on the departing edge.

Delirious from the pain, Taffy moaned, "Jake..." before her eyes closed and she slipped into unconsciousness, the train's engine rolling along the track away from the rest of the train.
* * *
The cold wind blew its way across the top of the frost-covered mountain. Like a malignant force, the wind did not care who or what stood in its way. It only existed to make this desolate place even more isolated from warmth. Ice and snow and rock ruled here, with only the howling wind to create sound in the hollow simulation of life. And nowhere was this fierce wind more pronounced and deadly than in front of the icy cave at its peak.

But, as if in direct defiance of this mountain's order, Wraith suddenly appeared on the mountain top with Cipher and Roody in front of the cave's gaping maw. Cipher let go of Wraith's hand and stumbled to hands and knees, breathless at the incredible rate of speed they had just traveled. Amazing...such speed, and yet I did not feel the wind nor the cold!

"This is the place then, old man?" asked Wraith directly, smirking with ruthless amusement at Cipher.

And he does not even shiver in this bitter chill, thought Cipher as he stood to his feet, pulling his gray trenchcoat together to block the wind. "Yes, this is the home of the ice dragon, Heartcease."

"Brr, I'm freezing my tail off here!" announced Roody as he shivered. "Why the heck does that ol' lizard live up here in the cold? I thought reptiles couldn't take this kinda punishment!"

"Heartcease is an ice dragon, Roody. His scales and heart are so cold that to him, this wind feels like a summer breeze. He has wreaked havoc on the villages and towns in surrounding cities for centuries, and he is the uncontested lord of this region."

"We'll see about that," stated Wraith smoothly as he stepped forward toward the dark opening of the cave.

"You realize how much of a risk this is, Wraith?" asked Cipher, crossing his arms as he looked with his one good eye at Wraith, from just under the brim of his hat. "You are powerful, but you are young and inexperienced. Heartcease has faced many adventurers seeking for a claim to fame, and he has yet won over them all. And here, in the heart of his domain, he will be at his strongest."

"Which is exactly why I won't be needing this," said Wraith as he tossed the purple Chaos Emerald to Roody, who caught it by reflex.

"Are you mad?! You possibly have a chance to fight him, but only with the Chaos Emerald!"

Wraith's eyes glowed blue in the darkness of the mountain, the clouds overhead obscuring the life-giving sun. "I'll beat Heartcease without that Chaos Emerald. That way, no one will dare say that I defeated this dragon because of a cheap trick. I'll kill him, and take what rightfully belongs to the strongest life form on this planet. And before you start complaining about it, I'm going in alone."

Wraith glowered for a moment longer, and then turned and dashed into the darkness of the cave, passing the icicles that made the cave's mouth look much more like the maw of some gigantic creature ready to swallow him whole.

Roody flew down and took cover outside the cave, using the rocks as a shield against the piercing wind. Cipher took suit, and the two of them shivered outside. "You know, I'm really not happy to sit out here with an old fogey like you," sneered Roody, making faces at the mouse while wrapping his little black body around the Chaos Emerald.

Cipher smiled, a small, dark smile. "Likewise, I am not happy to wait with a demented little brat like you. But patience is a virtue, and if Wraith is strong enough and does not let his pride interfere with his mission, he will succeed."

"Of COURSE my superior will win!" declared the Chao. "He always does, in the end..."
* * *
The lady and her knight waved from afar as Eclipse, Susie, Caine and Jayne stood on a hilltop, waving back as they continued on the path out of the forest. It was not long before the two old souls were left behind, and the trees on either side became more and more alive with each passing moment in the glory of renewal from the curse that had held this part of the forest in darkness for so long.

But Caine slowed down, and Susie turned to him almost immediately. "Hey, what's the matter, Caine? We gotta keep on going!"

"But, where are we going?" asked the hedgehog.

Susie opened her mouth to respond with outstretched waggling finger, but she halted in mid-action and drooped. "Oh, yeah, where are we going?" she asked, turning to Eclipse.

Eclipse, with the spotlight now on him, now reached up to one of the tips of his long ears and rubbed it between it fingers anxiously. "Um...I don't really know yet either. We haven't really had time to think about it."

The three young people turned their eyes to Jayne, who smiled. "To determine where you are going, you first must determine what you are doing, and why," said Jayne wisely as she held out her staff, pointing the red jewel at them. "You have met the one known as Cipher, yes?"

Eclipse nodded. "Yes. He told us that if we find the Chaos Emeralds, that I'll figure out how to stop the curse I'm under."

"And that I'd find my true purpose," said Caine, thoughtfully.

"Have you even thought that Cipher may have other reasons why he wants you to collect the Chaos Emeralds?"

Jayne looked at their faces as doubt suddenly made itself apparent. "I should explain myself to you. I am indeed the druid of the Forest of the Future. But before I became that, when I was young as you, Susie, I traveled the world with a young man. A man who I fell deeply in love with. We both had talent in the magical arts, and we shared a love for learning and of knowledge. But on our journey, we came across someone with a heart filled with nothing but cold and darkness, emptiness..."
* * *
"Come, young Cipher. Join us, and you will find your true potential."

Cipher turned his back on Jayne, and reached out and took the metal hand extended to him. He stepped into the darkness, and Jayne was left alone as the darkness dissipated as suddenly as it had appeared, leaving her to cry her sorrows.
* * *
"...and ever since that time, he and I have met again and again, but as enemies and not as the friends we once were. He is determined to get the seven Chaos Emeralds and to obtain their power. He has left the Combine since then, and has been studying the prophecies of the Chaos Emeralds...and he found you."

"But, why would he tell us to seek after them then if he's the one trying to get them?" asked Eclipse, deep in thought after hearing of Jayne's tale.

"It's easy," said Susie, more than a little proud that she had figured something out. "Why do all the work for himself when he can get us to do it for him? Then all he has to do is collect them, and he's got everything he wants."

"He is interpreting the prophecies of the Chaos Emeralds, prophecies left by the ancient echidnas," explained Jayne. "He has chosen you and your other friends, and is manipulating you into finding the Emeralds for him. He believes that only he is capable of creating a new world order, one with him at its head." Her voice was filled with contempt. "He is using you children for his own designs, just as he has used and manipulated so many people over the years. I have tried to stop him, but now he's come to this point."

Eclipse and Susie looked at each other. "If that's true, then Taffy and the others are being used too," said Eclipse. "We're all collecting the Chaos Emeralds, in separate groups...if he just picked up the Chaos Emeralds that we each collect, never letting us come back together, then he could make sure nobody else got the seven Chaos Emeralds before he did!"

"That's right! That sneaking mouse, I'll show him who's boss next time we see him!" exclaimed Susie, throwing a mock punch through the air.

Caine still held the green Chaos Emerald in his hands. "But I don't think he was lying about what he told Eclipse and I, either. I think...maybe he's right. Maybe I will find my purpose if we find them all." Caine's voice was quiet, but there was a meaning and will to it now that he did not have before.

"And we need to meet up with the others so we can tell them about Cipher, too," said Eclipse. "They were all headed to Danberg last time that we saw them."

"But by now, they might be anywhere! Where should we start looking?" asked Susie, twitching her tail.

"There is a railroad track that goes between Danberg and Mobotropolis," said Jayne, pointing with her staff down the path they were following. "Surely if they are after the Emeralds, they will be headed there next after finishing their work in Danberg."

"So if we head there, then we'll be able to catch up to them. Great! Let's go."

"Then you know where to go, because you now know what you are doing, and why," said Jayne with a serene smile. "I must go now, to do my part in keeping the planet safe. Be careful of the Combine, for they have their agents in Mobotropolis as well."

"But why can't you come with us?" whined Susie as she fiddled with the handle of the sword over her shoulder. "We need help!"

"You have all the help you need, Susie. The three of you have power in your hearts, as you demonstrated when you broke the curse on the tree and stag. Remember that power, and you will be able to take care of each other no matter the circumstances. And besides, with the Chaos Emerald, you now can move much faster." Jayne turned her gaze onto Caine. "You can tap into the Emerald, and into the heart of Mobius itself. Let its strength flow into you, and you will know what to do."

With that, Jayne turned and walked into the trees, and she was gone.

"Man, she was nice, but she was weird too," commented Susie as she turned to the others. "So what are we doing again?"

"You're going to hold on to me," said Caine as he held the Chaos Emerald in one hand. "I'm going to get us to Mobotropolis."

"You're going to use the Emerald to warp?" asked Eclipse.

"I've seen Wraith do it, and have even traveled with him. I think I can do it."

Eclipse and Susie both held on to Caine, each to one of the hedgehog's shoulders, and he held up the Chaos Emerald with one hand. He focused, following the feelings of his heart...

And just as they sped forward, he felt the might of an entire world propelling him onward. Toward Mobotropolis, the capital city.

OOC: Wow, so like its been a long time since this has been posted in, eh? Im willing to give it a shot in continuing, since this RP had awesome potential. So yeah, Im going make a post just to see what interest I can generate in this. If it starts to get going again, I could easily scout for the others who dont frequent the MoFo as much now, try to get them back in the scope of things, eh?

Bare any discrepancies, please. Its been positively months since Ive posted in this and Im just going back on memory of whats happened.

IC: Alex was thrown forward by the jolt of the train carriages as the main engine train continued to pick up speed, but the rest of the carriages had been de-bolted off the train engine, slowing down and beginning to part away from the train engine separating the group of Freedom Fighters.

Alex turned to part one more look at that, before focusing on the situation at hand, the wounded and injured Taffy. He slowly sidled up to her, and grabbed her shoulders, slowly shaking her and trying to stir her into consciousness, but no success. Even calling her name out proved fruitless. Alex began to panic, but went on to check her pulse. Thankfully it was fine, and she was alive, but Alex couldnt tell what the scope of the injury was. If Lena had been her, she would have been able to cast a healing spell of sorts, but she, and the other train carriages, were quickly departing from view.

Does this thing stop this uh, thing? Alex asked to himself, looking at the engine controls in reference to the rest of the train. Being completely technologically illiterate, he had come up to a very perplexing issue.

Remainder of train carriages

Clint released the hold that the ropes had on the dragonfly, Aolus. He didnt know what good his attack might have had, but it was something, at least. Clint automatically looked for cover; the rest of the train had stopped, thankfully, but there were still another two crazies going about. No, bets to stay low and hidden for now and let the rest of these people clean up the mess. He darted into another of the passenger carriages that wasnt being used in the fight.

OOC: Pretty good memory there nevertheless, Pach. I'll be joining back up with this, been far too long.

IC:
The other compartments of the train were emptying quickly of passengers as they abandoned the chaotic scene. The first section smoked and fumed with the fires and acid used on them already, and the sounds of fighting continued to get worse.

Max cursed as he dashed back to the doorway between compartments, and used it for cover to shoot over the heads of his friends as they dashed through the flame traps. "Move it, we can't fight them like this!" he snapped.

Lena stepped to the other side of the door, her sword glistening in her hand. "Maybe we should use the Chaos Emeralds again," she suggested.

"Better get running then, because Taffy had the Emeralds in her backpack, and she and Alex're stuck on the engine of the train!" Max emptied his gun of the spent shells and quickly replaced them with a new set. "We're gonna have to handle these guys on our own."

Taffy found herself lying in a field of flowers, and she sat up suddenly as if she woke up from a nightmare, her heart racing. "Jake?" she called out, looking around with her bright blue eyes across the multi-colored field.

And there she saw him. A human, so unlike herself, tall and ruggedly handsome, with long blonde hair that was just a little messy. His neatly-trimmed beard nearly shone in the sunlight as he turned to look at her where he stood in jeans and white T-shirt, his eyes dark hazel. "Taffy, you can't just sleep here all day!" He laughed as he approached her. "We've got to get back before dark, you know."

Taffy got to her feet and ran to him, nearly tackling him in a tight hug. "Oh, Jake, I was having a nightmare! I was on this train, and-"

The raccoon felt his strong arms around her shoulders. "Hey, it's over now. It was just a dream. Probably because you ate so much from our picnic!"

"Jake...don't ever let me go." She closed her eyes and leaned up, her lips puckered to kiss him.

To her surprise, she heard him say in a very different voice, "Huh? But my name is Alex."

And then Taffy opened her eyes, and she really did wake up this time. She wasn't in a field of flowers and she was definitely not in the arms of Jake. She was being held by Alex, with the hard hot metal of the train engine underneath her. Out of the windows and back of the engine she could see that they were surrounded by taller buildings, and they had stopped. The engine itself hissed behind her as it released steam.

We made it to Mobotropolis, thought Taffy, still slightly dazed. How long have I been...

But then the impact of her delirious dream hit her, and she fought vainly against the tears in her eyes. No, stop crying, you've cried enough about it, not in front of Alex...

She threw her arms around Alex's neck and sobbed onto his shoulder uncontrollably. At first he tensed, but then he just cradled her in his arms.

OOC: Ive sent notes on dA to Kate, James, Mike, SL and Torn to see whether theyre interested in continuing. I dont know if theyll reply but well have to see~

IC: Alex wasnt entirely sure why it was Taffy was crying. Well, he had an idea but wasnt certain if itd be the case or not. In all honesty, he didnt really know how to react in a situation like this. As he cradled Taffy in his arms, he had the strange sensation that this felt nice. But then again, that felt like such a guilty thing to feel, especially as Taffy was upset. Hesitating, he finally asked:

Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere? Alex asked.

Taffy took a while to respond, but slowly exited the embrace, wiping her eyes of the tears. She looked Alex in the eyes (to which he blushed after a few seconds) and responded. I-I think ah! she cried out.

She fell forward on Alex again. She reached round and felt her back, which was incredibly sore. Not surprising, really, since she had just crashed into the train engine with it.

T-taffy?! Alex called out, before Taffy raised her hands up to hush him and calm the rabbit down a bit.

Uhn, it hurts a lot. I dont think itll be anything really serious, but still, it hurts. Taffy replied.

Do you think we should leave this uh, train? Alex asked, struggling to remember what it was the others had called this strange device. He looked outside at the city they had just arrived at, Mobotropolis. He could only see a fraction of it, but regardless it was huge and overwhelming. So much more bigger then Danberg, and certainly more taunting.

OOC: Someone refresh my memory a bit, if they can, but uh, why are they in Mobotropolis? Is it the location of another Chaos Emerald there or was the main Combine base there or something?

OOC: If you guys are needing help getting this going again let me know. I have two characters whose personalities I need to work on.

OOC: Let's see what happens in the next couple of posts, but you're welcome to join anytime, Rico.

I've answered Pach's question about why they were going to Mobotropolis in chat PM. Anyone else have any questions that they need answered before they rejoin, feel free to ask.

The current rundown of the currently-obtained Chaos Emerald locations are:
Green: Caine, Eclipse and Susie
Yellow and Red: Taffy and Alex
Purple: Wraith, Cipher and Roody

There are three more Emeralds, which have been established as being in the hands of the ice dragon Heartcease (Wraith is just entering his cave to do battle with him), and the remaining two belong to the Combine, one to the wizards of the Harmonic Order, the other to an unspecified location. Of course, if need be, we can always edit around some of these locations to make things more interesting or to better support the storyline.

IC:
Taffy's back and head throbbed with dull pain every time she put any amount of pressure on either, so she was extra careful when she retrieved her backpack from the floor of the train and stood up with a little help from Alex. But in a way the pain was real, something that she could deal with, unlike the phantoms of her past...

"Yes, we should get going," she said as she took a moment to examine the backpack. One of the straps from the knapsack was torn at one end, leaving only the other strap usable. Must have been damaged when I hit the back of the train, she thought as she opened the top of the backpack and looked inside.

There they were. The Chaos Emeralds that they had gathered so far, one ruby-red, the other a golden yellow. They shone with a soft light all their own that gave Taffy a brief moment of comfort. Then she reluctantly covered them up again and was about to swing the bag over her shoulder when Alex's hand stopped her.

"I can carry it for now," he offered, in that naive yet honest way that he had carried with him all the way from his forest here into the heart of civilization.

Taffy considered as she looked back into his eyes. Her first impulse was to refuse, to be the tough girl and to carry the backpack herself like she had done this entire adventure. But she realized it might aggravate her injuries into something more dangerous than the bruises and soreness they were now, and there was something about Alex's awkwardness and innocence that made it hard for her to say no. Something about the faint tinge of pink to his cheeks...

"All right, but let me know if you started getting tired," she finally decided as she held out the backpack to him. "Now let's get off of this train, and onto good old solid ground."

He slung the backpack over one shoulder, his quiver over the other, and they both left the train, stepping out onto the platform next to the engine and making their way through the confusing crowds of busy Mobotropolis.

"So where are we going?" asked Alex once they had gotten to the street.

"I don't know," admitted Taffy. "But we were supposed to come here to this city, that's the feeling I got for finding the next Chaos Emerald."

"What about the others? They might still be in trouble with those...those creatures that attacked us."

Taffy's guilt rose up inside her, a filthy, anxious feeling. "I'm sure they're fine," she said, only half-sure of it herself despite her confident, casual tone. "We've been able to handle so much before, so those freaks that were after us shouldn't be any trouble. I'm sure we'll meet up with them again soon."

The question is, where? thought Taffy. I could take Alex to my apartment, maybe we could wait there until I get another one of my visions. Or maybe we can look around, there might be a Combine facility here in Mobotropolis. I just hope the others are okay...

Alex and Taffy motioned on forwards, moving throughout the streets of Mobotropolis and gradually further away from the train engine they had arrived on. Alex was amazed by the sights that greeted him. It was somewhat similar to Danberg, but then so different as well at any rate, it was as far removed from the Forest as it possibly could be. The city seemed more cold and metallic, with great diverse shapes for building then there had been previously. The streets were frequently littered with rubbish, and various factories along the outskirts of Mobotropolis spewed forth disgusting billows of smoke. It all seemed so dark and haunting.

Alex was mesmerised by his surroundings at first, before he removed what exactly he was doing, and who he was with. Taffy seemed to be slowing down, as if her injury was more severe then it seems. Alex wasnt sure what to do, but then stretched out an arm, offering his hand to Taffy.

Would you like me to help support you? Alex asked.

Taffy was somewhat taken aback by Alexs question, as she too had been lost in her own thoughts. She faintly blushed. Er, no, Im fine, Alex. I can manage myself. Alex simply stared back at her, then nodded.

Okay, but if you need any help, just say Alex replied, slowing his pace down to match Taffys as they continued on through Mobotropolis.

Well? asked a scratchy voice patched through a machine. It was a transceiver, belonging to a trenchcoat clad individual who stood near the station inspecting the sole train engine. It was a ferret, wearing dark sunglasses and a beanie atop his head. These were all distinguishing features about the individual, as well as the inline skates adorned to his feet.

The train has arrived sort of. The ferret replied, scratching his head as he talked into the transceiver.

What do you mean, sort of?! the voice responded in a more aggravated manner.

Well, part of its arrived. Just the engine. The carriages arent there. The ferret replied. I cant guess what must have happened.

Is there anyone there? the transceiver questioned.

No one anymore, the ferret replied. But the specs are picking up heat traces leading away from the train engine two sets. Er, you want I should investigate?

Of course! We must know who they are. Whether they were with the group who defeated the Combine in Danberg, or- the transceiver answered.

Rightio, Im on it! the ferret interrupted, turning the transceiver off, turning, and skating off in the direction that Taffy and Alex had slowly left in.

OOC: Mmm, what's with the mofo RP guild layout? Looks weird. Ha ha. At least I tell the truth.

Anyway, I am going to make a random entry. If I am sketchy or missed out details, kindly correct me. I won't take offence ^_^

IC:

The Ferret slinked, from parked car to a nearby lampost, narrowing his eyes with a cautious face as he locked his vision on a weary Taffy and Alex who were walking off.

He had 'found' the heat-traced 'two specs'.

Despite the shades which hid these eyes, they were focused.

Just as he was about to skate full-speed ahead towards the fatigued forest travellers...

*crash*

The ferret snarled as he found a body colliding into him and knocking him to the pavement. The collision had at the same time, knocked off his sunglasses.

Shaking his head with aggitation and continueing to snarl, he opened his eyes- which widened with both shock and anger as he saw the culprit that had interrupted his mission.

"Ain't nuthin' workin'.... ain't nuthin' right. There's a hole in meeeee... that I can't seem to fill tonight... hic!" sang a groggy out of tune voice, belonging to a tan-furred three tailed kitsune. His limbs were sprawled all over the floor- but for his right hand which was a bottle of cheap smelling wine. The bottle was swishing so much, that some of the red drops fell onto the ferret's fur and clothing, staining him.

The ferret stood up in an instant, dusting the grit from his clothes and attempting to smudge out the wine stains, before putting his shades on. He took two intimedating loud stampy steps towards the kitsune, such that the tip of his skater shoe was underneath the kit's chin. The ferret folded his arms, and stared daggers at the drunken fool.

The kitsune blinked morbidly, before clinging onto the ferret's foot and helping himself to stand up clumsily. He rocked slightly back and forth, momentarily falling fowards and reaching out onto the ferret's coat to stop himself from capsizing. The kitsune then stood straight- though not entirely- ticking his eyes from side to side wearily.

"Wing commander Seipher. I stood for all honour and glory... I was... was..." he paused, before taking a swig of the cheap wine "attacked by a random in the cornfield with a scythe. And I had the hedgehog. In my bare... bare hands....." he drawled, using his left shaking hand with open fingers to imitate a forming grip.

"Can't... can't... go back to... combine with nothing... career will be over... career... everything I..." taking another swig of his drink, he finished with "am nothing without the combine."

OOC2: Wraith's up when I get a moment (:
Incidentally, what about the other RPer's? They still in it?

OOC: Apologies for the hiatus everyone, but nonetheless, i'm definitely back for this roleplay :3

It's wonderful to see everyone gathering back here again, it really is. How has everyone been? it's been soooo long since i've talked to everyone here!

As far as posting goes, i'd love to get right back into it, though unfortunately i'm a bit clueless as to where i should take Eclipse owo;; I know he's warping to Mobotropolis, curtesy of Caine, though i'm not sure what to do with him from there, if anyone can throw me a rope, that'd be great.

As for the carnage on the train? Well, i got ideas for that >=3

-----------------------------

An angry buzz, some flickers of green sparks, and some curse words in an other-worldly language; these were the things that one wouldve observed if theyd been standing next to Aolus as he regained his composure.

grrrr muttered the dragonfly, amidst an agitated flap of his wings, bending them back into shape and darting his eyes around madly.
Where did that smelly little dog get to? Thinks he can use fancy rope tricks on me like Im some sort of thing you use ropes on, does he!? NO MORE MISTER MILDLY NICE GUY!

Those angry flaps turned into an aerodynamic blur as Aolus took flight once more, dust and various dried plant matter bursting out from his take-off point as if he were a helicopter.

His pupils skittered about his eyeballs with the ferocity and diligence that one would expect to see from someone looking amidst a collection of buttons for the one they wanted, Aolus was dead-set on finding his target.

It was as soon as his gaze settled onto a foot poking out from a carriage door and suddenly slinking inside, that a sinister smile came over the dragonfly.

Ready or not fido In mid-speech, Aolus twirled in the air and braced himself for a diving position, which he did indeed follow up on straight towards the window of the carriage he had his eyes on.
heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-

Hey you! shouted a wide man in a business suit that was obviously a few sizes too small for his enormous belly, considering that his buttons looked about ready to suddenly fire off and give someone a concussion.
Are you from one of the carriages up ahead?

Clint looked at the man with wide eyes, hed only just jumped into the carriage.
uhhh are you talking to me?

The wide man placed his hands on his sides, the sound of stretching material accompanying his gesture,
no, I was talking to the OTHER guy who just walked in. Who do you think Im talkin to? I wanna know what in the heck is going on over there?

uhhmm.. sir?

The man ignored Clint and turned around, and raising arms to accentuate his speech, openly ranting to everyone on board the carriage as well as Clint,
It was bad enough when this damn train came to a sudden halt, but now I can hear screaming and loud noises coming from up ahead, now I demand to know whats going on!

Clint removed the hand that was one his forehead as the man finished ranting and tried his best to calmly reply,
sir, you do realize its pretty pointless to just start ranting at me like that, Im in the same situation you a-

answer the question! demanded the fat man, clearly too impatient for any sort of civil behaviour.

Clint gritted his teeth a moment and then calmed himself before replying,
we have a bit of a situation going on, this is going to sound strange, but some weird voodoo teenagers have attacked our train. Were doing our best to control the situation.

The man looked at Clint blankly a moment before his chubby lips began to move again,
Hey has this got something to do with those new Freedom Fi-

-eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeereeeeees

A sudden loud crash sounded behind the fat man, causing him to lose his balance and knock Clint to the carriage floor. Clints rump was greeted by the surface that was once at his feet and his ears were greeted by numerous panicked screams from the startled passengers. As he looked up, his eyes steeled onto an unfortunately familiar figure.

AOLUS! finished the dragonfly, locked into an arms-crossed pose accompanied by the typical evil villain grin that he was so fond of.

Sickly green energy began to swathe into both of his palms as he let them relax at his sides, eyes locked onto Clints in an intimidating fashion...

RRRRRAAAARRRGGGHHH!!!

A giant crab claw and a limb that resembled a living mace, both smashed into the floor of the carriage, just barely in front of the group of Freedom Fighters, sending a spray of splinters, both charred and un-charred, in random directions.

Factor lunged forward and attempted to plunge his sword into one of Xenos monstrous mutated limbs, but was a fraction of a second too late as the limbs recoiled, veering for another strike at a speed that seemed too nimble for what something so bulky could possibly move at.

Lena took a cautious step back as she readied another spell, but stopped as she felt an unusual warmth begin to form at her feet.
SCATTER!

The group only had a split second to react, but they managed to avoid being singed by yet another of Pandoras mines. The group was well and truly scattered from what had otherwise been a gathered party against Xeno, who didnt seem to even be flinching at the attacks made against him and his strange shifting form. Reveling in the safety of numbers, the group had forgotten to let someone keep tabs on where Pandora had gotten to; it was hard enough to see anyone amidst the choking smoke that grew thicker with every rogue blast.

Max had tumbled backward away from the group and managed to flip and skid on his feet with one hand touching the ground for support, and the other clasped tightly around his gun.

Once he came to a halt, he regained composure and was about to make a dash forward to rejoin the fray, his eyes burning with the intensity of the fires that licked at some parts of the carriage But something stopped him a voice.

Careful you might burn yourself

A feminine voice with a teasingly sultry tone came from behind him, it was Pandora.

Max grit his teeth and prepared to swing around, but something stopped him; was it the fact that his only logical move wouldve been to pistol-whip the person behind him and he was hesitant because his opponent was a lady? Was it because he had a more intricate and effective plan in his mind?

No not really. It was because he felt something pressing against his back. It was an index finger from Pandoras right hand.

You make one more move, and Ill cast one of my fireworks runes straight onto you, and they dont come off unless I cancel the spell myself, so you better just put your hands up like a good boy now, kay?

Maxs eyes rolled to one of his sides in a futile attempt to get a look at the person behind him without actually turning, such an iron stare he would give but alas, he reluctantly rose his arms.

Now drop the gun. You and I both know you dont need it anyway.

Maxs eyes widened a moment.

Thats right said Pandora, maintaining her tone of voice,
I know what you can do. I can smell the fire mana around you, its like cologne.

Lady, I dont know what youre on about, retorted Max in his Downunda accent as he let his gun fall from his grasp, hed be sure to get it back later. He felt her index finger jab into him a little stronger as he talked though.

There you go again, how rude it is to play stupid. You can sling fireballs cant you?

The spines behind Maxs head shifted uncomfortably as he felt Pandora sniffing him.

hmmmm yeah, I dont think youre quite as advanced as I am I could be wrong, but then again thats just what Im sensing from you. What gives me that idea? The same reason I can smell your mana so clearly, youre letting it leak all over the place, just makes it easier to find you in a crowd yknow

What the bloody hell are you trying to pull? grumbled Max, not completely phased by his situation, still his usual grumpy self that he always is in the face of potential danger.

Pandora giggled, Oh come on, cant a girl have a little fun? I just want to talk to you, its not like I come across another pyromancer outside the citadel very often yknow.

For a moment, Pandora looked over Maxs shoulder and somehow made sense of the blurred figures through a veil of smoke up ahead.
*sigh*, but I guess it is kinda disobeying orders if I dont do anything but talk suddenly her eyes lit up and a mischievous grin came over her, hey, I know~

Max felt the collar of his jacket press against his neck and he instinctively brought his hands to ease his throat. In a quick flurry of motions, he found himself being flipped over Pandora and smashing through a window, landing thankfully on a patch of lush grass outside amongst an area otherwise riddles with dried, prickly reeds.

Shaking himself off and getting into a protective stance, his eyes met with Pandora who was waiting for him, standing a little closer to the carriage with not even a scratch on her.

Back home me and the boys sometimes have these little duels to test our skills said Pandora, inspecting her nails, though she stopped there as she looked up at Max and saw him with a strange grin on his face. Suddenly she blushed and her face contorted into anger,
I know what youre thinking, and thats not what I meant you little pervert!

Max snickered in response, heh, what? I didnt say anything

just shut up. *ahem* anyway, as I was saying, the other two and I sometimes duel each-other in combat to test our abilities in harnessing magic, but I find that it often grows dull having the same competitions again and again, no-one else in the citadel is a worthy opponent so thats all I ever get to fight she paused and pointed a finger at him,
Can you understand now what it must be like for me to have an entire train full of new opponents to fight who might, just MIGHT be a challenge for me? AND can you imagine what it must be like for me to find another pyromancer amongst them?

Look, if youre trying to ask me out-

NO, YOU MORON! she shouted, anger once again piercing her through her calm villain routine, and red once again flushing her cheeks.

Max sneered at her, "weren't you the one teasing me just a moment ago? Funny how things can turn around like that."

Still a little red, Pandora calmed herself and regained her wicked smile,
I want to fight you, one on one. One pyromancer against another!

She went into a fighting stance,
I promise Ill take it easy on you, afterall your spells are probably a lot weaker than mine, but like I said, Im just in it for the thrill.

Max scratched his nose, that can be taken a different way

Pandora ignored him and began channeling orangey-red magic into a raised fist,
show me what youve got, hero!

OOC: Mike's always said he's in, I just wonder if he's seen the thread again yet. >> Kim said she's interested to join but she's busy on a trip so far. And I haven't recieved any reply from Torn, so I can only guess we'll have to use his characters as see fit. Btw, speaking of which, I know Lena's on the train, but what about Torn's other character? Or has she gone?

Passenger Carriage

Clint winced. He was about to say some dramatic line to counter Aolus own impressive entrance, but he found himself only screaming out in agony with startled grunts as a good majority of the passengers clambered around and over him to get out of the train. They didnt know what was going on, but with an entrance like Aolus it was probably best not to. Some of the more panicked stricken passengers stayed in their seats however, simply staring at both of the individuals with a gob-smacked expression on their faces.

Clint groaned as he tried to pick himself off the floor, into a crouching position on the floor. He wiped his mouth off some of the drool that had escaped it after being run over. In-between himself and the dragonfly was the fat man from before, blocking the way.

G-g-good lord! Who the hell are you?! the fat man shouted, rushing to jump back up into a standing position. How dare you push me like that! Dont you know who I am? Im-

Aolus had by this point ignored the intrusive and extremely irritating man. He continued to shout into his face, so much so that the fat mans spit even began to jump into the dragonflys face. It was unpleasant to say the least.

Get out of my way, gramps! Aolus shouted, raising one of his hands up towards the fat mans face. He had a moment of shock and pause before what happened next. Aolus shouted out the incantation to his spell, Kythilos Kedel!, and then a mass of green substance shot forth from the dragonflys hand, on a clear aim towards the rotund mans face.

For all intents and purposes, it should have hit. It should have struck the mans face, melting it away instantly and shooting remnants of it, and the rest of the acid, into a shrapnel esque barrage across the rest of the carriage. But, instead, the mass of acid missed the mans face and instead collided against the far wall, disintegrating that first before shooting its projectile burst.

It took Aolus a second to work out what had happened. The mans face had moved out of the way, ducking down almost instantly. But for a man of his size and girth, movement that speed would have should have been near impossible. So what?

The fat man crashed onto the carriage floor. His arms had been bound by ropes and he had been pulled backwards, almost like a lasso, by Clint himself.

Hmm! Doggy knows some tricks after all! Aolus remarked. I wonder if you can play dead too?

Huh, you. I know your type. Clint replied, surprising Aolus with the unusual comment, being interested in what was being said. Yeah, delinquents through and through. Its all the same you just need to be told whos in authority! Clint whipped his arm, and a rope came flying towards Aolus but he easily avoided it. His eyes kept looking along the length of rope as it passed him.

You think you know me? Aolus shouted. Pops, you know nothing! Kythilos Ked- ?!

Aolus eyes widened in surprise. Before he could incant the spell, another rope was already upon him, swinging upwards and whip-lashing him in the chin, sending him back-flipping.

Thats another one of your problems, there. Clint walked forwards, a big grin growing on his face. You talk too much. By the time youve finished speaking out your spell, Ive already had enough time to do what I need. Clint motioned his arms, and with it both ropes flew back towards him. Know your place yet?

Mobotropolis street

The ferret stared at the almost pathetic individual slurring around before his very eyes. He was speechless, simply staring at the erratic movements and gestures that belonged to this self-claimed Wing Commander Seipher. Of course, his name wasnt what really interested the ferret at all. No, another piece of information was far more interesting.

"am nothing without the combine."

At this, the ferret quickly reached into his backpack before retrieving a strange figure 8 shaped metal device. Seipher confusingly looked up at the ferret, hiccupping, whilst trying to right himself long enough to work out what the hell it was. Until

SNAP!

The ferret had fixed the device onto one of Seiphers hands, the other onto himself.

The dudes probably some random drunk, but I cant just ignore this. The ferret thought to himself.

Seipher looked up from the handcuffs, to the ferrets face. Wh-who you th-think you are?

You claim to be a member of the Combine. It was your misfortune that you ran into ME. The ferret replied.

Eh? Seipher gurgled out.

You you might be helpful if you co-operate. The ferret replied, smiling, trying to work his way through this situation as best as he could. Im following two people, which I need to meet. If you help me, then I can help you.

Seipher frowned. Like what, a-and whats w-with this? Seipher pointed to the handcuff.

I dont know, man, but maybe some actual decent alcohol and some breath mints? The ferret waved the airspace between the twos heads, the nasty smell the product of Seiphers breath. And this The ferret pointed to the handcuffs as well. This is incentive!

Wh-who the hell are you? Seipher added.

The ferret did a mock salute, if in some way insulting Seipher, but the three tailed kitsune was too far out of his face to register the parody. My name is Kyle! The ferret smiled.

OOC: Just a little way to introduce a character that Pach and I talked about a good while ago, but in a way where she isn't thrown in too quickly. I'm doing this between classes so I apologize if it's a bit lackluster and lacking in more angles.

Excellent posts, everybody, looks like we're kicking this back up from the grave! Keep it coming, we're seeing some of the best writing ever done here in the Guild!

IC:
The man sat in the darkness of the observation deck, his fingers idly tapping against the edge of the keyboard. Only the light from the computer screens in front of him provided illumination, and these merely reflected off of the shades he wore on his bearded face. He was definitely a human, otherwise known as an Overlander. And he was watching screens that showed the same pictures that had been sent to the Harmonic Order, of a dog utilizing the power of the Chaos Emeralds, of a group of young people throwing themselves into an impossible fray.

And now he was watching the real-time image of a raccoon and a rabbit who were completely unaware that they were being followed...by more than one person.

"So that's the target?"

The man did not turn around; he was able to see the reflection of the female hedgehog's silhouette out of the corner of his shades. "Yes. I want her alive." He pointed to the raccoon.

There was a girlish giggle. "You're giving me a personal assignment? There are easier ways to find a girlfriend."

"...No, Rose. I am giving you an order. I realize that it isn't your usual line of work, but with Bark and Bean missing in action, there aren't many others that I would trust with it. And besides, the rabbit is yours to do with as you see fit."

"I'm on the job. Just make sure your spy fellow doesn't get seen by that ferret over there - he doesn't seem very friendly to the Combine."

The hedgehog left, and the human interlocked his fingers in front of him as he raised an eyebrow, his gaze focused on the raccoon in the picture. "I'll meet you again soon, Taffy," he whispered. "I promise."

OOC: I'd give this a shot again...if I can get caught up on all the events and find some time to post an entry...kind of busy with school (Final few weeks)

For a moment, Susie felt frozen in time as the world tore past her, Eclipse, and Caine. Caught in the green glow of the Chaos Emerald Caine held, they didn't seem like they were moving at all, but that the landscape itself bent and conformed around them like a tunnel as they sped through the forest, out into open plains, through towns and villages.

Wow, we must be going faster than uh, um, really fast! thought Susie as she kept a grip on Caine, unconsciously aware that letting go of him would not be the best idea at the moment. The sword she had been given by the knight stayed tightly strapped to her back in its sheath, the new weight on her still very unfamiliar. At this rate we'll make it back to Mobotropolis in no-

Then suddenly the world collapsed inward as they stepped onto the sidewalk in Mobotropolis, and Caine stumbled to the ground with Eclipse and Susie right on top of him. There was a collective "Oof!" as they came to a stop from the warping effects of the Chaos Emerald.

Susie glanced up and looked around, blinking her one steel-colored eye and her one purple-hued eye. She broke out into a grin and pointed, looking back to Eclipse as she exclaimed, "Look, 'Clips! We stopped right where we needed to be! This is my boss's hideout!"

Eclipse shook his head before opening his bright yellow eyes and looking in the direction that Susie pointed. The entire neighborhood they were currently in was in the slums of Mobotropolis, well-and-away from the ritzy downtown areas with the hover vehicles and the neon lights. This was the rickety-side of town where bare gray cement decorated most surfaces along with the rainbow of graffiti that adorned the most accessible walls. Small groups of Mobians gathered around fires burning in trashcans, and the occasional fight broke out here and there. Life itself felt gray here, where life was cheap and alcohol cheaper.

And the building that Susie pointed out seemed no better, for it was two stories tall with red bricks - many of which had fallen out over the years. It looked rickety, worn down, like an old man on his last legs. To one side of the front door, there was a set of stairs that led to an outside entrance to the basement. It looked like an old office building from back before Mobotropolis became the booming industrialized city it had become.

"My boss's office is in the cellar, you can even see my cot! Finally I'll get to sleep in my own bed!" Susie gushed as she reached out and gave Eclipse a one-armed hug, rattling him around like a rag doll.

"E-er, that's great, Susie!" Eclipse responded as he finally got his bearings. Susie wondered why he looked a bit spaced out, but chalked it up to the weird trip they had just taken.

"Yes, wonderful," drawled Caine. "Now can you both get off of me?"

"Oh, sorry 'bout that!" Susie made a show of getting up off of Caine while Eclipse stood up and checked to see that his magic book was still chained to his belt, but when Caine only managed to make it up to his hands and knees, Susie stopped exaggerating and grabbed one of Caine's arms.

"Caine, are you okay? We didn't think about what using the Emerald to get us to Mobotropolis would do to you," said Eclipse as he helped Caine up to his feet from his other side.

"I'm feeling pretty woozy...Wraith made this look easy, but I think I'll get better with practice. Ugh..."

"C'mon, let's get him into the boss's office. I think the boss is out this time of day, but we can get in if I can jimmy the lock open. Then when he gets back, we can talk to him about finding Tacky and the others!"

"You mean Taffy," corrected Eclipse as he helped Susie bring Caine down the cement stairs.

"Yeah, that's what I said," said a nonplussed Susie.

IC:

Between the strange dragonfly character and the ferret, she wondered just how they could pose a threat to a group that had accomplished some great things in Danberg. Perhaps they weren't such hot shots in the first place. She brushed aside her red hair as she strode toward the train carriages. Her initial target was the insect but considering he had his own problems to deal with, she figured she'd help take out the easier target first, the silly ferret. Good thing the hedgehog was around, she didn't know if she was too eager to tangle with a pyromaniac all by herself.

OOC: I sure hope no one minds this character. She doesn't suffer from the Riku syndrome of being far too overpowered but does have have Riku's fiery personality. Will post a bio later but here is an image of what she kind of looks like...

www.deviantart.com/deviat...n%3Ascraps

[[ Oh, wow. I wasn't updated when we were re-continuing this. Looks like I get to read a bit this morning. So it looks like I'm against a Pyromaniac. Fun.]]

Max smirked a bit as he cracked his neck. "Y'know... it's not my nature to hurt a lady. But you sure are insisting a bit." he chuckled lightly. But in reality he was in thought. "....Her sensing... my fire "mana" or whatever she called it has always been a curse. And I've only brought to reveal it to help Taffy at one given point. I don't even remember why anymore....well here goes nothing."

"You want a firefight? Well you gots one." he chirped as he held out his palm and a fireball formulated in the said right hand. The ball seering and burning through his linen globes. He pushed his sunglasses down and smirked as he directed his palm at her.

"Lets make this quick. I have my friends to attend to." and with that simple remark he shot the ball quick and hard. Before rushing at the girl, with his fists then clenched. As he thought for the first time of his movement pattern in his head. In his mind it had to be a quick motion the fireball would probably be dodged, he would rush in; his fists probably both catching flame; while controlling his basic knowledge and experience of the ability to a... well basic standpoint he would jump to the right, and then throw his angry stallic fist fighting at the girl.

Then he would uh... figure out what to do from there.